Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Colleagues and visitors in the gallery are wearing purple to promote awareness of this important day, and I’d like to recognize the significant amount of purple in the building today. Mr. Speaker, our work towards eliminating elder abuse is done in partnership with the NWT Seniors’ Society and the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults. I would encourage all Members to read the Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults: a Five Year Strategy for the Northwest Territories, 2015 to 2020, prepared by the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults. This strategy focuses on four priorities with eight principles that all contribute to the elimination of elder abuse. I look forward to following the strategy as it takes shape over the next four years.
Mr. Speaker, elder abuse can come in many forms including financial, emotional, physical neglect, and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, these types of abuse are too common in our communities. The NWT Seniors’ Society Information Line data shows that of the 152 calls they responded to in 201516, three were related to senior safety and 21 calls were related to elder abuse. Elders have the right to be safe and healthy in their own homes and in their communities. They also have the right to make decisions about their money, belongings, and the care they would like to receive. We have been working with the NWT Seniors’ Society to develop screening tools to detect situations of abuse of older adults. Over the coming months, we will be piloting the use of these tools in our programs as a concrete action toward supporting improved detection of situations of abuse by frontline providers. If you are an elder who is being abused, talk with a trusted friend or a family member. If you are an older person who is being abused, ask privately if you need help. Help is also available from the RCMP and other professionals in your community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage anyone who witnesses elder abuse to call the Family Violence Crisis Line at 18662237775, or the Seniors’ Information Line at 18006610878. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
