Ministers’, B.C. seniors advocate’s statements on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health; Niki Sharma, Attorney General; and Dan Levitt, B.C. seniors advocate, have released the following statements in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday, June 15, 2026:
Levitt said:
“Unfortunately, abuse and neglect can happen to anyone in B.C. However, older people can be more vulnerable due to frailty, isolation and dependence on others. Elder abuse can be financial, physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or other, and can include mistreatment, neglect and self-neglect. It may be perpetrated by family members, friends, neighbours, caregivers or commercial vendors.
“Data show that reports of most types of elder abuse to designated agencies, police and seniors’ organizations have been steadily increasing for several years as the population of older adults grows. I regularly hear heartbreaking stories from seniors and loved ones about older people being abused. Many people are reluctant or embarrassed to report incidents, so we know there are more instances taking place than are shown in the data.
“Financial abuse is one of the most commonly reported forms of elder abuse, and it is often committed by a stranger engaged in fraud and scams using technology, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. It’s important to stay informed of new ways scams are being perpetuated in order to protect vulnerable people in our province. I want to encourage anyone who suspects or witnesses abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older adult to report it immediately.
“To reduce elder abuse, it’s important to better understand how, why and when it occurs so we can better support seniors, as well as streamline reporting systems. Currently, many organizations and law enforcement agencies are doing similar work, which makes tracking and addressing elder abuse difficult. My office is working with the provincial government to improve data collection and reporting of elder abuse in B.C., with the aim of strengthening prevention efforts and better protecting vulnerable seniors.”