Calgary marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Advocates in Calgary are holding several events to help raise awareness about elder abuse in the city and across the world.

Monday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and a Calgary organization is launching a new campaign to help shine a light on a problem many experts say remains hidden.

Unison, a non-profit which provides services and support to Calgary seniors, says one in 10 Alberta seniors experience some form of abuse, but only a fraction of those cases are ever reported.

The organization is launching a new campaign which includes online and physical ads, as well as a new website, callearl.ca, all carrying the message that elder abuse doesn’t belong.

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Experts say abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional and financial abuse, or neglect, and in many cases, it’s committed by someone seniors know and trust.

Unison wants people to know they don’t need proof to reach out for help, just concern.

Financial abuse most common

Experts say financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, with scammers increasingly targeting seniors through phone calls, emails, and online schemes.

An event taking place Tuesday at Carya Village Commons (610, 8 Ave. S.E.) will feature presentations from the Calgary Police Service, the Alberta Securities Commission, along with a lived-experience speaker sharing their personal story of financial exploitation and recovery.

Attendees will also have the chance to connect with local organizations and learn about the programs, services and supports available.

The goal of the event is not only to raise awareness, but give seniors practical tools to protect themselves.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. until noon.

More information can be found on Carya’s website.