News Releases
March 7, 2003
ELDER ABUSE TO BE ADDRESSED WITH HELP OF GRANT
Ottawa -- The growing concern towards the vulnerability of older immigrant women to abuse in the Peel region led Elder Help - Peel to begin work on a community development tool. With the help of a $69,300 grant, the 14-month initiative will bring together key community organizations and individuals to address the issue of elder abuse. Mr. Sarkis Assadourian, M.P. announced the grant today on behalf of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women).
"Seniors can be particularly vulnerable to abuse in all of its forms," said Mr. Assadourian, "The efforts of Elder Help - Peel will be beneficial to both the area's seniors and the community as a whole."
"Elder Help - Peel does a tremendous job on a daily basis providing education and training, intergenerational programs and a dedicated group of volunteers to further enhance the lives of seniors and the community as a whole. This initiative continues this commitment and addresses a reality that seniors may face," said Ms. Augustine.
A three-pronged approach will be taken to address the problem of elder abuse. Elder Help - Peel will assess the current level of knowledge of elder abuse among the culturally diverse population in the Peel region, develop culturally relevant material on elder abuse and develop a theatrical-style presentation aimed at older women and their families and key community organizations working with seniors. The presentation will be used as a tool to further educate the general public and community organizations about the severity of elder abuse.
Elder Help - Peel holds educational workshops, information sessions, and leadership training and skills development workshops for program participant seniors. A friendly visiting service and security check program, weekly groups meetings and counseling services are also offered.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 budget and is therefore built into the current fiscal framework of the federal government.
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