• Mission
• Background
• Community Partners
• Guiding Principles
• Key Messages
• Purpose and Areas of Work
• Committee Structure
  • Steering Committee
  • Task Teams


• Committee Meeting Dates
• Related Links
• For More Information

To enhance and coordinate the response to abuse of older adults in Calgary.

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The Action Group on Elder Abuse (AGEA) is comprised of individuals and agencies concerned about the response to older adults experiencing abuse in family, community, or institutional settings in Calgary. The group has been meeting monthly as a steering committee since January 2004.

AGEA began as the result of informal conversations by a few agencies concerned with the lack of a coordinated response in Calgary. The intent of AGEA was not to duplicate this work, but rather to build upon the impressive programs, services and knowledge that already existed.

Since its formation the group's existence has proven to be a "lightening rod". The first consultation meeting was held in January 2004, to explore interest among stakeholders in the formation of a multi-agency group to address the issue of abuse of older adults in Calgary.

Initial funding provided an opportunity to build the group, as well hire a Community Development Coordinator. The steering committee recently spent time reaching a consensus on ten top priorities from their strategic plan. Work on these priorities will continue with the help of the coordinator.

Individuals, families, organizations, our communities and governments need to work together to prevent abuse of older persons.

"Elder abuse is a violation of Human Rights and a significant cause of injury, illness, illness, lost productivity, isolation and despair."

"Confronting and reducing elder abuse requires a multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach."

Active Ageing
A Policy Framework,
WHO, 2002

All actions and decisions will be measured against the following guiding principles:

• We respect the dignity and uniqueness of each person.
• We work together as a network of organizations that appreciates and respects the value and contributions of each member.
• Each member of the network has an equal voice in decision making.
• We recognize that each of our partners plays an important role in helping us achieve our mission.
• We promote shared decision-making and open communication within our group.
• We value the wisdom and contributions of all stakeholders.
• We will apply the highest of ethical standards in realizing our vision.

Organizational Positioning Statement

"Every older person has the right to participate fully in our society and the right to live free of fear of abuse."

The Organizational Positioning Statement provides the "umbrella" key message (other than the vision and/or mission statement) under which all other messages fall.

Organizational Messages

Research

"The abuse of older persons is hidden - we, as a community, are unaware of the nature and extent of the problem."

Raising Awareness

"Regardless of the form it takes, the abuse of older persons jeopardizes health and well-being."

"Older persons who are victims of abuse usually know the abuser, and most abuse of older persons occurs in relationships of trust."

Identifying and addressing existing gaps.

"Individuals and service providers are often unaware of the services and resources available to them. Lack of knowledge and experience inhibits discussion of the issue with older adults."

Service enhancement.

"Sufficient and appropriate services are necessary to respond to the abuse of older persons."

Legislative change.

"There are gaps in current legislation that prevent us from adequately responding to the abuse of older persons."

Advocacy.

"The abuse of older persons has been overlooked in the broader community response to violence, abuse, and bullying."

Development of AGEA's organizational capacity.

"Individuals, families, organizations, our communities and governments need to work together to prevent abuse of older persons."

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The purpose of AGEA is to work together to enhance and coordinate the response to the abuse of older adults. Additionally, we will build a greater capacity within the Calgary community to respond to the abuse of older adults.

To achieve this purpose, AGEA has identified seven focus areas for its work. They include:

• research
• raising awareness
• identifying and addressing existing gaps
• service enhancement
• legislative change
• advocacy
• development of AGEA's organizational capacity.

AGEA's activities are governed and led by a steering committee, an executive committee composed of members from the steering committee, and a number of task teams including steering committee members and others.

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The Steering Committee assumes responsibility for providing leadership and coordinating activities required to move the purpose forward.

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The function of task teams is to bring the experience, expertise and judgement of a group of interested persons to bear on a specific area of work. Task teams assist the Steering Committee by considering matters in greater depth than would be possible in the larger committee format. Examples of task teams include the Education and Awareness Task Team and the Research and Evaluation Task Team.

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AGEA's Steering Committee meets the fourth Monday of each month. Task teams meet as required.

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• Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network
• Elder Abuse Intervention Team
• Edmonton Seniors' Safe Housing (Edmonton, Alberta)
• FAQ's Law and Abuse of Older Adults
• Kerby Rotary House Shelter (Calgary, Alberta)
• Older Adult Knowledge Network
• British Columbia's Community Response Network
• British Columbia Institute Against Family Violence
• Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
• Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
• National Center on Elder Abuse (United States)
• National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (United States)
• Medline Plus (United States)
• Action on Elder Abuse (United Kingdom)
• International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

If you would like more information about the Action Group on Elder Abuse, or would like to know how to get involved please contact Eva Chan, the Community Development Coordinator (Older Adults and Vulnerable Persons Portfolio) at echan@acav.org or (403) 283-3013 ext.223.

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