Elder Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect in later life can affect an adult’s health, independence and safety. Older adults may experience different kinds of harm from people they rely on or trust, such as physical, emotional, or financial abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect often occurs at home, in the community, or in institutional settings. Examples of abuse include shoving, hitting, taking money or property, failing to provide adequate care and withholding medication. Many of these are criminal offenses, and all types of abuse and neglect are harmful to seniors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and you feel that you are in immediate danger, call 911. If there is no imminent danger, or to get more information regarding elder abuse, contact the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) (see below).
To speak to a Victim Service Worker call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808. VictimLink BC provides information and referral services to all victims of crime.
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL)
604-437-1940 or 1-866-437-1940 (toll free)
Available 8:00am to 8:00pm daily (excluding holidays)
Language Interpretation
Available 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday – Friday
TTY Teletype for those who have access to TTY equipment (for the deaf):
604-428-3359 or 1-855-306-1443 (toll free)
Available 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday-Friday
See more at: http://bcceas.ca/
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & WEB LINKS
- Visitation Line: 604-438-4010 ext. 830
- Canada Pension Plan
- Retirement Pension, Disability Benefits, Death Benefit, Children's Benefits, Survivor's Pension: 1-800-277-9914
- HandyDart (everyday): 604-575-6600
- HealthLink BC (24/7): 811 or www.healthlinkbc.ca
- Seniors Health Care Support: 1-877-952-3181
- Seniors Distress Line (24/7): 604-872-1234 or www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
- Community and Govt. Services (24/7): 211 or www.bc211.ca