On the June 15, the world will be recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a time to recognize abuse and neglect of older adults and look at ways that we, as health service providers, can prevent it.

2015 is the 10th anniversary of WEAAD and is also the 10th anniversary of VCH’s ReAct Adult Protection Program. The ReAct Adult Protection Program provides education and supports the response to ensure that VCH frontline care providers are aware of and understand their obligations in relation to the identification, assessment and reporting of situations involving abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.

VCH session

On June 15, ReAct is offering a special session to VCH clinicians who have been designated to investigate suspected cases of adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect. It is entitled “Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue” and will address challenges clinicians face when repeatedly exposed totraumatic experiences specific to adult protection investigation. Offered in Vancouver, it will also be available for televideo in Richmond, Squamish, Powell River and the Powell River. Under BC’s Adult Guardianship Act, every VCH employee has a statutory obligation to recognize, report and act on adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect.

More information

For more information on the VCH ReAct Adult Protection Program, go to their website.

Want resources?

The ReAct Adult Protection Program is also available to speak to program teams and community partners and agencies affiliated with Vancouver Coastal Health.

To arrange an information session on Adult Abuse and Neglect or request promotional materials please contact the ReAct office at:

Phone: 1.877.REACT.99 or 604-904-6173
Fax: 604-904-6179
Email: react@vch.ca