Every year, the 15th of June marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a special day that originated in Canada and has flourished worldwide with the help of the World Health Organization.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, as the name indicates, focuses on the abuse and neglect that older adults experience and how it can be stopped or prevented. Abuse is a serious issue. It has been estimated that between 4 and 10 percent of Canadian seniors experience some form of abuse. No matter the shape it takes, whether physical, emotional, or financial, abuse should never be tolerated.

This day brings together individuals, communities and organizations to exchange ideas and take appropriate action against the mistreatment of older people in communities around the world. It is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on how elder abuse threatens the well-being of the seniors we love.

The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a top priority. In addition to awareness activities, we provide funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to organizations across Canada for projects that address elder abuse.

As well, further to the Protecting Seniors Act, we are making great strides to protect and empower older adults. For instance, we recently introduced in Parliament a bill on digital privacy, which will better protect seniors against fraud and financial abuse, as well as the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which gives those most vulnerable in society, such as seniors, the tools to be treated with dignity and respect by the legal system.

Much of the abuse that targets seniors is financial. As part of the awareness activities, the Federal/ Provincial/ Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum recently released the Power of Attorney and Joint Bank Accounts brochure. This document highlights the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.

Seniors deserve to live with dignity and respect. Our government is committed to helping make sure they lead the best possible life, entirely free of abuse. I encourage constituents to join others around the nation and world in observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Speaking openly about the problem with friends and family is one way to begin.

The day is an excellent opportunity to connect with others, including seniors, and share information on how to counter abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

Whether the effort is great or small, once a year or throughout, everyone can help make a long-lasting difference in the lives of seniors.

For more information and resources on elder abuse, visit seniors.gc.ca.

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The audio version of Garry's June 9, 2014 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here.