News

Rob’s Column – June 11, 2012

June 12th, 2012

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, 2012. Abuse is a serious issue facing seniors in Canada.

Any form of abuse is intolerable – whether it be physical, mental, financial or neglect – and our government strongly supports programs that prevent and create awareness of elder abuse.

In 2008, our government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative to help seniors, and others, recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse. We continue to support projects which expand awareness of elder abuse, such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

The NHSP provides tools to seniors to protect them from abuse, including threats such as fraud and financial abuse. It also provides support for networking, developing and delivering education and awareness activities.

Recently introduced legislation would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offenses involving abuse of elderly persons. These amendments to the criminal code would make the age of the victim an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.

Seniors are entitled to respect and have every right to live in safety and security. We need to honour our seniors and the contribution they have made to our society. If you believe you know a senior who is experiencing abuse, get involved. It’s the least we can do for the most valued and vulnerable segment of our population.

As always, I look forward to your letters, e-mails and calls. Write me at: Rob Clarke MP, House of Commons, 502 Justice Building, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6. I hope you will find time to visit my website http://www.robclarkemp.ca To contact me via e-mail use clarkr@parl.gc.ca or call my constituency office toll-free at 1-866-400-2334.

Rob Clarke MP

Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River