Submitted
Are you concerned about a vulnerable or older adult in your life?
Every adult has the right to live safely.
The BC Community Response Network is here to support you to do your part in stopping adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect. We all have a role to play as caring community members.
Much of the harm that vulnerable adults face goes unreported. However, the Office of the Seniors Advocate reports that the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL), which is operated by Seniors First BC, received 7,102 calls in 2024 and 48 per cent were abuse related. This is a 28 per cent increase over five years. Over five years there has also been an 18 per cent increase in victims of violent offences (age 65+) that have been reported to the RCMP. There has been a 23 per cent increase in victims of assault (age 65+) reported to RCMP, and an 88 per cent increase in victims of fraud (age 65+) reported to RCMP.
Financial abuse, physical, sexual and psychological abuse, verbal and spiritual abuse are all actions that cause harm to another. We can all make a difference and choose to end adult abuse.
BC Community Response Networks (BC CRN) is a provincial non-profit dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive communities where vulnerable adults are valued and protected.
Through active coordination, advocacy, education, collaboration, and relationship building, we support local Community Response Networks (CRNs) across the province to create awareness and prevention of adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. A CRN is made up of a diverse group of concerned community members who come together to create a coordinated community response to ensure that every adult is respected and free from harm.
There are currently 89 Community Response Networks (CRNs) serving 260 communities in BC and Invermere has recently engaged the support of Leanne Brooks as the local CRN coordinator. You will see Leanne throughout the community bringing awareness to adult abuse. Next month she will be at the Invermere Legion senior luncheon on February 13 to share information about BC CRN. Leanne relates to the community as a Certified Dementia Care Provider and business owner of Heartfelt Companion Services. Since 2014 Leanne has supported seniors on a daily basis in private homes and community care settings.
The BC CRN also offers a variety of presentations and workshops, free of cost. Our presentations include information for those who have concerns about their loved ones being mistreated and for those who have regular contact with vulnerable adults to help identify the signs of abuse.
Presentations are also geared towards the prevalence and impact of ageism, concerns around extreme clutter and helping to assist professionals to navigate the appropriate channels when responding to concerns about adult abuse and neglect.
Together we can stop vulnerable adults from being mistreated by networking, sharing and supporting the community to feel empowered to act.
You may contact Leanne Brooks at [email protected] or call 250-341-5683 for more details and to book a presentation, or visit us online at www.bccrns.ca.
If you need to report adult abuse contact SAIL at 1-866-437-1940 and go to seniorsfirstbc.ca for more information. Together we can end adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect.
