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World Elder Abuse Aware-ness Day will be marked this Friday, June 15 at the main hall of the Flin Flon Friendship Centre. From 1-3 p.m., the public is invited to watch two films relating to the problem of elder abuse. The first film, The Villa, is described as a humorous glimpse into the challenges, dangers and misuse of alcohol, drugs, fraud, and other issues facing the aging population. This tool was created as an ice-breaker to more formal discussions on challenges relevant to seniors and their families as well as professionals and volunteers who work with seniors. The second film, It's Everybody's Business, was developed by the Winnipeg Elder Abuse Strategy Working Group to assist in increasing the awareness of elder abuse. It provides information about the resources available to assist community members and service providers to respond effectively to situations of abuse toward older adults. The film promises insight into the types of abuse, signs of abuse. It includes various vignettes of potential scenarios. Organizers hope communities will use the film and accompanying facilitator's guide as a tool toward the prevention of elder abuse. Elder abuse is defined as 'any action or inaction by a person in a position of trust that results in harm to or jeopardizes the well being or safety of an older person.' Types of abuse include: Physical: Any act of violence or rough treatment that may or may not cause injury or physical discomfort (ie: slapping, pushing, pulling, kicking, punching; injury with any object or weapon; deliberate exposure to severe weather; and the inappropriate use of restraints, misuse of medications and prescriptions). Financial: The illegal or inappropriate use of another person's money without the individual's knowledge or consent (using undue influence such as forced changes of wills or the misuse of power of attorney, not acting in her/his best interests). Emotional: Any action, verbal or non-verbal, that lessens a person's sense of identity, dignity or self-worth (ie: confinement, physical and social isolation, verbal assault, harassment, humiliation, intimidation or infantilzation, denial of information, privacy, visitors, or religious worship, coercion, compulsion by threat, or unlawful constraint to force a person to do some act that otherwise he/she would not have done. Neglect: The deliberate withholding of care or the necessities of life such as withholding or inadequately providing for physical or emotional needs (ie: food, housing, clothing, hygiene, safety, emotional support, respect). Other than screenings of the two films, Friday's event will see purple awareness ribbons handed out. Elder abuse information sheets will also be available. Also on Friday, at some local restaurants there will be World Elder Abuse Awareness placemats and tent cards. Participating restaurants are Chicken Chef, Royal Ribs, Gateway, The Prospector Inn and the Friendship Centre. _ Compiled from submitted information
