Resources

CRN

Protecting people from abuse

Stopping Elder Abuse

Elder abuse commonly refers to adult abuse where the target is a senior or older adult. Instances of abuse often coincide with neglect. Neglect is when lack of care, assistance, or attention leads to physical, mental or emotional harm, or loss of financial assets. Self-neglect is the failure to care for one’s self that causes serious physical or mental harm, or damage to or loss of assets. CRN works to help identify and prevent all manners of abuse and neglect.

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The British Columbia Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) grew out of the need to create an on-going, permanent provincial funding and support structure for the benefit of vulnerable adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect and self-neglect. The Association provides small project funding, materials, training, support people and maintains a website to assist Community Response Networks in their work. As well, provincial teleconferences are held on a monthly basis with all CRN members and interested parties invited to join the conversation.

In May 2017, Canada’s National Census revealed that for the first time ever, seniors outnumber children in Canada. There are now 5.9 million seniors, compared to 5.8 million Canadians aged 14 and under. Federal and provincial policy-making that affects older Canadians has never been more important.

At the local level, CRNs facilitate prevention and education activities with local stakeholders toward an end to abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults in British Columbia. In liaising at the provincial level through their Regional Mentors and the Executive Director, CRNs assist in identifying common themes, barriers and issues which require work at the regional, provincial and sometimes national level.

Chimo

Community and crisis support

Empowered Communities

Chimo Community Services is a Richmond non-profit providing free, confidential, and non-judgmental services in Advocacy, Community Engagement, Counselling, Crisis Line, Housing, and Newcomers Settlement Services. Chimo’s mission is to empower those in crisis to achieve well-being and health.

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Chimo is a non-profit organization that prevents tragedies and saves lives. Chimo strengthens individuals, families, and communities. Chimo connects people with needed community resources. Chimo builds bridges of understanding.

Created in Richmond, British Columbia in 1973, Chimo Community Services now serves thousands each year from different cultural backgrounds, age groups, family lifestyles, and economic situations. Through nine program areas, Chimo provides diverse services from community building to prevention, from individual crisis support to advocacy, and from peer support to education. Chimo engages in collaborative community planning and develops innovative resources to address emerging needs.

Through crisis programs, Chimo serves people in immediate need. Through transition programs, people make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives, or establish themselves in their new country. Education encourages prevention and positively influences views and behaviours.

Helping You Help Yourself

Your Rights

You have a lot left to contribute to the world, no matter how old you are. To help you make the most of those opportunities, you have inherent rights and freedoms.

Human Rights

You’re entitled to protection of your human rights and fundamental freedoms including full respect for your dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy.

Capacity

As an adult, at any age, you are presumed to be mentally capable of making decisions regarding your own life, unless demonstrated otherwise.

Choices

Mentally capable older adults have the right to make choices. As long as an adult is capable, they may make any choice, even if deemed risky or unwise.

Involvement

As a adult, you should be an active participant in the development of programs meant to serve you. You are encouraged to be involved in shaping them.

Protecting yourself from abuse

Is your dating relationship a healthy one?

Abuse is common in senior dating relationships. Ask yourself these questions: Does your partner get jealous when you’re around other people? Do they destroy or threaten to destroy your things? Do they put you down, call you names, call you stupid, or blame you for everything? Do they slap you or push you around? Do they try to take control of your money or pressure you to make a Power of Attorney or change your Will? If so, talk to someone who cares and can help.

Your guide to common resources

Helpful Information

Self Neglect

Learn more with this helpful downloadable PDF about issues of self neglect for seniors from the BC Public Trustee.

Province of BC

A downloadable guide to understanding and responding to elder abuse and neglect, created by the Government of BC.

Health Link BC

Helpful tips from Health Link BC, including a section on how to identify elder abuse and neglect.

Legal Information

The BC branch of the Canadian Bar Association offers a low-cost option to talk to a lawyer.

How to Help

A downloadable PDF with information on how to assist an adult who is abused, neglected, or self-neglecting.

211 BC

A free, confidential, multilingual service that provides 24/7 access to resources in BC. Just dial 2-1-1 to talk with an information and referral specialist.

Need to talk to someone?

Seniors Abuse & Information Line

Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) is a safe place for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to someone about situations where they feel they are being abused or mistreated, or to receive information about elder abuse prevention. Available 8am - 8pm daily (except holidays). Toll Free 1-866-437-1940.

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