The first of two virtual information sessions on elder abuse is being held locally Thursday. (Feb 11)
Grey Bruce Elder Abuse Prevention is partnering with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario to cover an introduction to the issue including signs and symptoms, as well as resources available to support elders who have experienced abuse.
The session will take place from 10a.m. to 11 a.m.
Grey Bruce Elder Abuse Prevention member Jon Farmer says, “These workshops compliment the release of our elder abuse resource poster,” adding, “The posters collect information about the supports available but supports can only help when people recognize that they or a loved one is experiencing abuse.”
The one hour workshops will be presented over Zoom and include an option for participants to call in by phone if they can’t participate by video. Farmer will present the poster resource and a representative from Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario will introduce the issue of elder abuse and its many forms.
According to Farmer, isolation is a risk factor for elder abuse and one of many that the pandemic has increased for seniors across Ontario. The Seniors Safety Line of Ontario, a 24/7, confidential and free resource that provides information, referrals and support in over 150 languages for seniors experiencing abuse has experienced a 300 per cent increase in calls during the pandemic.
Participants will be able to ask questions and request resources during the sessions. The presentation will be offered twice (Feb 11 and March 11) and registration for each session is capped at one hundred participants.
Farmer says, “‘Elder abuse has always been an issue but with increasing risks and higher reports of it during the pandemic, it’s important that our community has the knowledge and tools we need to keep seniors safe.”
Registration is free and open now through the Violence Prevention Grey Bruce website (vpgb.ca) and Eventbrite.ca. The project is made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce.
If you do not have internet access and would like to join the Zoom meeting by phone, contact Jon Farmer by phone at 519-379-2574.
