Emotional and mental wellness is important, just as it is important to be physically safe and healthy.  Given the current context with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is normal to experience anxiety, frustration, anger, exhaustion, sadness, isolation and a wide range of other emotions.  

Over the next several weeks, join us in a series of exercises to learn about and practice mindfulness to help manage your stress and anxiety. 

Jamati members experiencing personal difficulty are encouraged to call the Social Support Services line at 1-888-722-5555. This sensitive, confidential and caring toll-free line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

November is Family Violence Prevention month and this week we will focus on Elder Abuse.

Elder abuse is any action or lack of appropriate action by someone in a relationship of trust that results in harm or distress to an older person. Elder abuse often occurs in situations where there is an imbalance of control. The abuser may limit or take control over the rights and freedoms of the senior. North American studies indicate that between 2% and 10% of seniors experience some form of elder abuse or neglect each year.

The most common form of elder abuse is financial abuse, which can occur with or without the consent of the senior, and results in monetary or personal loss for the older adult. Neglect, another form of elder abuse, may be intentional or unintentional where the caregiver has a lack of knowledge or experience in providing proper care to an older adult. Neglect includes denying access to necessary services such as home care, nursing or medical attention; failure to assist with activities of daily living; and abandonment. Read more about the common forms of violence and how to access support for elders by clicking on this link.

Supports:

• If you or someone you know in the Ismaili Community needs help, please call our 24 hour Social Support Services Hotline at 1-888-722-5555.
• Find family violence supports or programs in your area on this Government of Canada website.
• If you are concerned about a child being abused please contact your local Child Welfare agency. You can find your local agency on the Canadian Child Welfare Agency site.
• If you know an elder who needs support, visit this Government of Canada site for resources.

November is Family Violence Prevention month and this week we will focus on Child Abuse.

Childhood, especially the years from 0–6, establishes the foundation of a person’s life. Emotional, physical and sexual abuse of a child can have an impact across an entire lifetime. Child abuse is the physical or psychological mistreatment of a child by an adult (biological or adoptive parents, step-parents, guardians, other adults). Child abuse includes any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that causes injury or emotional damage to a child or youth this includes witnessing any form of domestic violence.  If you suspect that a child or youth has been or is being abused, help them by contacting your local child welfare agency and reporting your concerns.

Supports:

• If you or someone you know in the Ismaili Community needs help, please call our 24 hour Social Support Services Hotline at 1-888-722-5555.
• Find family violence supports or programs in your area on this Government of Canada website.
• If you are concerned about a child being abused please contact your local Child Welfare agency. You can find your local agency on the Canadian Child Welfare Agency site.
• If you know an elder who needs support, visit this Government of Canada site for resources.

Throughout the month of November, there will be a collection box in each Jamatkhana to gather items for women and children in need, which will be donated to the Calgary Women’s Emergency shelter.

Due to health and safety concerns, only new items will be accepted. For more information on items of need, please see the attached list. 

Seconds and minutes a day are sufficient to lay a gentle hand on a shoulder, to hug, to sit together. These small gestures can have significant positive impact in your personal relationships with a spouse, girl/boyfriend or intimate partner.

Abusive/violent behaviour can also affect your relationships. Intimate partner violence is sometimes called dating violence or domestic violence. Women are victims of intimate partner violence more often and more severely than men. 79% of police-reported intimate partner violence is against women. Intimate partner violence refers to harm caused by an intimate partner. An intimate partner is a person with whom someone has or had a close personal relationship. Partners may identify as a couple and refer to each other as spouse or partner. The harm is often a result of a person looking to gain or assert power or control over their partner. It threatens the safety and security of the partner and can take many forms. Read more about the common forms of violence and how to access support:

Read more about different forms of abuse on the Government of Canada Public Health Agency Site.

Supports:

• If you or someone you know in the Ismaili Community needs help, please call our 24 hour Social Support Services Hotline at 1-888-722-5555.
• Find family violence supports or programs in your area on this Government of Canada website.
• If you are concerned about a child being abused please contact your local Child Welfare agency. You can find your local agency on the Canadian Child Welfare Agency site.
• If you know an elder who needs support, visit this Government of Canada site for resources.