Physical, emotional and psychological harm to elders will not be tolerated in Bermuda and an awareness campaign launched by Government on Friday intends to make that fact known.

Government, through the Department of Human Affairs, which is responsible for the National Office for Seniors, along with Age Concern, a charity working for and with elderly people, are tackling the issue of elder abuse.

On Friday, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, Wayne Perinchief, said the awareness campaign will use media appearances, information flyers and purple ribbons, the colour for elder abuse, to get the message across.

Mr. Perinchief said: “Abuse of older persons crosses all socio-economic boundaries and is a tragedy inflicted on vulnerable seniors in their homes, institutions and the community.

“As a Government, we believe that abuse of seniors should not be tolerated by any society and shall not be tolerated in Bermuda. The observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to generate widespread sensitivity to elder abuse in all its forms.”

Mr. Perinchief was speaking on Friday, June 15, the United Nations World Elder Abuse Day which recognises elder abuse as a significant public health and human rights issue.

And the Minister said the need for awareness in Bermuda is increasing as the instances of elder abuse, though there are no statistics available on its prevalence, are expected to rise dramatically.

By 2025, officials believe there will be a 130 percent increase in Bermuda’s senior population which will need further support and protection under the law.

As well as launching the awareness campaign, Mr. Perinchief had read a proclamation on Thursday, June 14 and had asked the public to show their support by wearing purple on Friday. Mr. Perinchief also reiterated the Government’s support for an elder abuse register, which the Attorney General’s Chambers are currently drafting.

He added: “Government is committed to providing the necessary resources to guarantee the health and welfare of all of Bermuda’s seniors.

“In acknowledging and commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I encourage all people of Bermuda to recognise the worth of Bermuda’s seniors and resolve to ensure that no senior in our community will ever be victim of elder abuse.”