On November 13, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux launched an awareness campaign to prevent the abuse of seniors and vulnerable adults. The campaign is intended to inform the public about such abuse, with the theme “Abuse … we need to talk about it.”
What is abuse?
Abuse is a single or repeated act, or a lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust. It intentionally or unintentionally causes harm or distress to a senior or vulnerable adult.
The CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal has for several years had a policy that aims to simplify the process and encourage you to identify, report, and/or take charge of all cases of maltreatment in collaboration with the Service Quality and Complaints Commissioner. Maltreatment can occur in any setting and far too often it is not recognized, not reported, or kept quiet.
Resources at your fingertips
Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux
CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Ligne Aide Maltraitance Adultes Aînés (LAMAA) 1-888-489-2287
Service Quality and Complaints Commission 1-844-630-5125
Always be vigilant! We all have a role to play in ending elder abuse of all kinds.