The City of Lloydminster is bringing back a campaign raising awareness of elder abuse, how it impacts our seniors and how people can help.
The 2nd Elder Abuse Awareness Walk returns this month, after being put on hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The walk, which will be self-guided, is a time to become aware of the various way the abuse of seniors happens, and how it impacts those experiencing and their loved ones.
The walk is put on by the Lloydminster Elder Abuse Prevention Committee and Family and Community Support Services Lloydminster.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers says many seniors are experiencing some form of abuse, even here in Lloydminster, and organizations like LEAP work hard to make sure seniors have resources so they can experience their “golden years” safely and happily.
According to LEAP statistics, approximately 750,000 seniors in Canada experience some aspects of elder abuse. Oftentimes, it’s not just a one-time incident and elder abuse has been on the rise in the time of COVID-19 lockdowns.
The six most common types of elder abuse are physical, emotional or psychological, financial, sexual, neglect and violation of human rights.
During the walk, people will learn real stories of this abuse, and how it takes all generations to help stop it.
The walk will be at Bud Miller Park from June 11th to 15th, and at the Agland Fitness Track of the Servus Sports Centre from June 16th to 18th. The walk is free, and no registration is required. People are also encouraged to wear purple on June 15th, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Someone experiencing elder abuse can call the Lloydminster Interval Home Society Crisis Line, the Alberta Family Violence Information Line or the Saskatchewan Crisis Line.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.