NEWS	June 15, 2009

 

Ontario is taking steps to help eliminate elder abuse by providing, for the first time in the province’s history, annual operating funding for prevention initiatives.
                                                                                                                                            
The province is investing $900,000 annually to provide the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) with long-term stability to better assist victims of elder abuse in communities across the province.  ONPEA delivers such services as the Seniors’ Safety Line, in partnership with the Assaulted Women’s Help Line, which offers support to victims of elder abuse 24 hours per day, seven days per week, in more than 150 languages. 
 
This funding will bring the government’s total investment in elder abuse prevention since 2003 to more than $4.2 million.

 

QUOTES

“Elder abuse is unacceptable. Investing in the long-term stability of the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse demonstrates this government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors in every community.” 
- Minister Responsible for Seniors Aileen Carroll

“This funding from the Ontario Government for the Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse means that everything is possible when it comes to the safety of seniors;  ensures that Ontario will continue to be a leader in elder abuse prevention; and ushers in ageless times.”
-Teri Kay, Executive Director of the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

 

QUICK FACTS

• Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, mental or financial abuse, or neglect.
• Research suggests that between 4 and 10 percent (65,000 to 130,000) of Ontario seniors suffer from some form of elder abuse.
• The Seniors’ Safety Line number is 1-866-299-1011.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about how Ontario is helping seniors.

Learn more about ONPEA’s services for victims of elder abuse

 

Sarah Petrevan, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-1676 Lisa Robart, Communications Branch, (416) 212-3928	ontario.ca/seniors-news Disponible en français