Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 11/05) - The only way to stop elder abuse is to speak out, says Beatrice Campbell, president of the NWT Seniors' Society.

Florence Barnaby, left, and Alphonsine McNeely were learning how to stop elder abuse during a two-day NWT Seniors' Society conference entitled Bridging the Gap. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

"Then people will maybe be more scared to abuse an elder."

A two-day conference sponsored by the NWT Seniors' Society in Ndilo this week drew 63 registrants from across the Territories to discuss the problem and solutions.

"People shouldn't be ashamed to talk about it," she said.

One participant, Florence Barnaby, said elder abuse happens more frequently than people realize.

"It happens financially when grandparents always have to give money to their grandchildren and their own kids," Barnaby said.

The important thing is to create awareness of such a situation, she said.

"We have to put an end to it through radio announcements, workshops and home visits," she added.

Alphonsine McNeely, another workshop participant, said working with elders and merchants would also be helpful in stopping such financial abuse.

"Elders always have big bills because everybody always charges on their accounts and they are afraid to say no," McNeely said.

"Loyalty to families is a barrier," she said.

Barnaby said it's important to make seniors aware that their concerns are heard and that they will be supported.

Campbell said the NWT Seniors' Society wants to hear what form elder abuse takes in Northern communities.

"What we were aiming at as well was getting the youth and elders together to discuss it," Campbell said.

"We had seven youths here and they got involved and that is the idea - bridging the gap."

Campbell said elders are looking for more RCMP help, for people to call on and to work together.

As well, the society wants to get into the school system to teach children the forms that elder abuse takes.

"Some people thought that elder abuse was just physical, where it can be emotional or financial," Campbell said.

"I think it will bring elder abuse to the forefront.

"Maybe they won't be so confidential about elder abuse and keeping their little family secrets in the cupboard," Campbell said.

"We're not going to stand for it any longer."

Seniors who feel they are victims of abuse can telephone the Seniors' Information Line at 1-800-661-0878.