Community walk, theatrical play mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Prince Edward Island's seniors, the World Elder Abuse Awareness Committee and people who work in family violence prevention organized a theatrical play and a community walk Monday to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The Young at Heart Musical Theatre Company presented three vignettes about self-neglect and hoarding, concerns that risk the health and safety of seniors and represent almost half of all referrals to Adult Protection Services.
"Seniors are important threads in the fabric of our Island society, with knowledge and
wisdom to share and pass on through the generations," said Lt.-Gov. Barbara Hagerman, who brought opening greetings to the event.
"But despite the important role seniors play in our society, they sometimes fall victim to abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. We must support all seniors in our community and speak out when we believe abuse could be happening."
Monday afternoon, the Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention organized a community walk against the abuse of older adults and family violence, the first official event since the committee was revitalized in April.
"All of us bear the responsibility to protect seniors in our one Island community and treat them with dignity and respect so they may continue to reach their full potential in their later years," said Social Services and Seniors Minister Doug Currie, who joined the group for the walk.
"I'm pleased the new Premier's Action Committee is continuing to spread the message that family violence and abuse of older adults is never acceptable, and support is available in the community for those who need it."
The Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention is comprised of community and government representatives who implement a provincial family violence prevention strategy.
The committee's vision is a society where all individuals are safe, respected and valued;
where any form of violence is unacceptable; and where children, women and men have opportunities to reach their full potential and contribute to the overall well-being of families and communities.