NEWS

CCEL Announces 2012 Canadian / International Conference on Elder Law - News Details

Date: June 25, 2012

Vancouver, 14 June 2012—The Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL) announces it will host the 2012 Canadian / International Conference on Elder Law to advance elder rights.

Friday, June 15, 2012 is the first time World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be commemorated by The United Nations with activities planned by organizations around the globe.  Events highlight the importance of recognizing and responding to elder abuse, help to create a culture of support for vulnerable older people, and raise awareness that abuse of our older population should not be tolerated.
 
Statistics indicate that as many as 1 in 12 older adults, or approximately a half-million elderly Canadians, are subject to some form of financial, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, often by those closest to them.  Many experts believe that the number is much higher.  “Elder abuse is everywhere,” says leading expert Laura Watts, “and the Canadian Centre for Elder Law is dedicated to dealing with these issues head-on.”

The CCEL was established in 2003 to advance an understanding of law and aging issues, especially elder abuse.  As part of its commitment to supporting elder abuse prevention and elder rights, the Canadian Centre for Elder Law is pleased to announce today that it will host a major conference on November 16-17th in Vancouver, BC on these issues.  With the theme of “Advocacy and Aging: From Storytelling to Systemic Change,” this event brings together international experts to explore how to advance elder rights.  Information on this conference can be found at: www.bcli.org/ccel. All are welcome to attend.

“Talking about elder abuse is a crucial part of the solution,” says Krista James, National Director of the Canadian Centre for Elder Law. “Abuse is wrong, and we want older people, their friends, family and communities to know that we are listening.  By hosting this conference we are offering support to folks from various disciplines who are working together on the common cause of elder rights”.  The conference, now in its 6th year, is a critical opportunity to drive positive change in Canada and around the globe.

Canada has one of the most progressive networks of lawyers, advocates, health care professionals, social workers and scholars working to advance the rights of older people.  However, much more needs to be done to bring awareness and assistance to older people experiencing elder abuse.  “We need consistent dedicated supports and investment in research, education and services to address this critical issue,” says James. “And we need opportunities to come together to explore ideas and solutions.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an important step in bringing attention to the needs of our aging population.

Contact:

In Vancouver, leading elder abuse expert Krista James, LLB, National Director of the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, (Vancouver office), is available at 604-822-0142 or kjames@bcli.org.

In Ontario, leading elder abuse expert Laura Watts, LLB, Senior Fellow, Canadian Centre for Elder Law Toronto office, is available at 647-969-6793 or lwatts@bcli.org.