Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June 15this World Elder Abuse day, and I want to spend some time today to discuss this issue that affects one of the most vulnerable communities in the North and the world. It is a natural part of our heritage as Northerners to show reverence for our elders. Northerners respect the long journey older adults have taken through their lives. Elders are the stewards of our history, culture, and traditions, raising a family sometimes beyond just your children, and growing up in a world where Twitter was only something that actual birds did. Elders in the North have certainly earned our respect.
During the campaign, I was not well-versed on the issue of elder abuse. Since then, I have taken my time to learn more about this: reading, research, taking a firsthand look at Avens, a community for seniors, and most importantly, listening to what our elders have to say on the issue. What I have heard is that we can all do our part to end abuse against older adults.
Nearly 25 per cent of our society is quickly reaching the later stages of life. It is important we remain vigilant against those who would attempt to exploit our elders. In 2007, Statistics Canada reported that the overall rate of police-reported violence against seniors increased by 20 per cent between 1999 and 2005.
Though our elders are the least likely demographic to be victims of violent crime, what's truly disturbing is that the largest group of those who commit violence against our elders were adult children or a current or former spouse. To put it more bluntly, Mr. Speaker, the ones who should be assuring the safety of our seniors the most, those they love unconditionally, are the ones putting them into unsafe situations. This is just plain wrong.
Mr. Speaker, here in the NWT, our Seniors’ Society back in 2010 took it upon themselves to do something about the ever growing instances of abuse. Starting with the Making Connections: Building Networks Symposium, from the information gathered there and other workshops, they established the NWT Network to Prevent the Abuse of Older Adults. The Network now has over 55 members throughout the NWT who are committed older adult advocates who work to achieve reduction, prevention, and ultimate eradication of the abuse of older adults.
I applaud this organization's good work, and am proud to see a grassroots network of seniors come together to address this issue for those elders affected by abuse.
Mr. Speaker, we are their children and their grandchildren. Let's all do our part to protect the security and dignity of older adults. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.