History of the Day

In 2006, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) developed and launched World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th.  The theme “My World, Your World, Our World-Free of Elder Abuse” was created to stress the need for people from across the world to come together to understand what elder abuse is and how it can be prevented.

On this day, communities across Manitoba held various types of events to increase awareness of the issue.  Included amongst these events was the Provincial World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Event held at the legislative building where the Minister responsible for Seniors officially proclaimed June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Manitoba.  Also during this event, the Minister announced an expansion to the Provincial Elder Abuse Strategy which included:

• Support for the development of the Manitoba Network for the Prevention of Abuse of Older Adults, who’s mission is to act as a central point of contact for provincial efforts and to support community prevention initiatives;

• The development of safe accommodations for older adults leaving abusive relationships;

• Support for the Peer Helping Program and the development of a Manitoba Peer Support Line for Older Adults which provides peer outreach and support to older adults affected by elder abuse and/or addictions issues; and

• Research by RESOLVE Manitoba focusing on legislative frameworks to address elder abuse.

Since 2006, communities across Manitoba have continued to recognize this day through planning various activities.