BC Elder Abuse Line Receives 2,700 Calls in 2025 as 20th anniversary of awareness day approaches

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A non-profit seniors support organization said it has received over 2,000 calls related to seniors abuse as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches. 

June 15th marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an opportunity to bring awareness to the topic of elder abuse and help recognize signs of abuse.

Marie-Noël Campbell, executive director at Seniors First BC, explained what WEAAD is. 

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day represents a global commitment to understanding, preventing and responding to the abuse and neglect of older adults,” Campbell said. 

According to Campbell, Senior First BC’s senior abuse and information line receives more than 8,000 calls each year.

Last year, the line received 2,700 calls related to abuse and neglect, with most calls being about financial and emotional abuse.

The senior abuse and information line is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., excluding statutory holidays, and can be reached at 1-866-437-1940. 

According to the Government of Canada, around 45 per cent of seniors have reported experiencing some form of abuse at the age of 65 or older. 

Seniors are less likely to report crimes or spousal abuse, compared to non-seniors, the government said. 

On June 8th, the City of Fort St. John proclaimed June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 

Campbell said the WEAAD flag will be flying at City Hall from June 9th to 16th, and Centennial Park’s lights will be purple to commemorate WEAAD. 

According to a June 12th, 2025, press release from the Seniors Advocate of British Columbia, “Elder abuse refers to a broad spectrum of harmful behaviours faced by seniors, including the violation of rights and freedoms.” 

The release said abuse is commonly perpetrated by a family member, friend or caregiver, but could also be committed by a stranger. 

Elder abuse can take multiple forms, including physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and self-neglect, the release continued. 

According to Campbell, WEAAD is celebrating its 20th anniversary, having been introduced in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization. 

“It’s really a day for communities, organizations, seniors and those who care about them to unite and promote the dignity of older adults free from abuse,” she continued. 

Campbell said the day of awareness was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2011. 

The United Nations observes the Day of Awareness each year. 

Campbell explains it’s important to recognize the day because older adults are increasingly dependent on others as they age, which makes them more vulnerable and less likely to discuss abuse. 

“There’s a lot of shame around abuse, neglect and mistreatment,” she said. “Oftentimes, what we see is that family members, older family members themselves, may be involved in situations of abuse.” 

“It can happen a lot within the family, although we also see an increase in abuse by scammers and people impersonating loved ones,” Campbell continued. 

Seniors who are affected by mistreatment are often reluctant to call for help and “suffering in silence,” said Campbell. 

Gail Weber, a member of Save Our Northern Seniors (SONS), explained how she thinks more support can be provided to seniors experiencing abuse or mistreatment.

“My advice would be to talk to somebody else, talk to another senior, even talk to a volunteer,  you can’t keep it inside,” said Weber.