16th Annual John K. Friesen Conference,
Aging, Ageism and Abuse:
Moving from Awareness to Action
May 11-12, 2006
The first ever World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will take place June 15, 2006. Around the globe, activities are being organized leading up to the day. The first to take place in British Columbia will be on May 11-12, 2006 when Simon Fraser University's Gerontology Research Centre presents its 16th John K. Friesen Conference on the topic "AGING, AGEISM and ABUSE: MOVING FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION". The conference, will examine current policies, procedures and programs developed within health, social services and judicial systems in Canada and elsewhere, to combat abuse and neglect of older persons. Presenters from each of these domains will highlight intended and unintended consequences of protection and rights legislation. As well, they will examine how policy and practice around seniors, health, housing, and law can increase or decrease the risk of abuse and neglect occurring in Canadian society. They will also recommend actions that can move the abuse prevention and intervention agenda forward. Via breakout sessions and interactive discussion with the speakers, conference participants will work on applying these recommendations to local situations and settings. The take-away message will be "Freedom from Abuse in Later Life ... An Achievable Goal for BC."
CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS TO
BC PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
LETTER TO PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL
The conference will also feature a presentation of the 1st Annual Elder Abuse Awareness to Action Awards
Speakers include:
- Penny Bain, CEO, BC Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of Seniors (BC CEAS): powerpoint presentation
- Amanda Brown, Vancouver Coastal Health Adult Abuse and Neglect Response Resource (RE:ACT): speech; powerpoint presentation
- Patricia Brownell, School of Social Work, Fordham University, New York City: powerpoint presentation
- Jay Chalke, Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia: powerpoint presentation
- Marcy Cohen, BC Hospital Employees' Union: powerpoint presentation
- Linda Derkach, Chair, BC Foundation to Support Community Response to Adult Abuse and Neglect
- Kathy Doerksen, Chair, BC Community Response Network (BCCRN)
- Const. Patricia Fleischmann, Toronto Police Service: powerpoint presentation
- Kathryn Ford, Crown Prosecutor
- Gloria Gutman, SFU Gerontology Department & SFU Director, Dr. Tong Louie Living Laboratory: powerpoint presentation
- Dawn Hemingway, President, BC Psychogeriatic Association
- Jill Hightower, Former Director, BC Institute Against Family Violence: powerpoint presentation
- Joyce Jones, 411 Seniors Centre; Seniors Advocacy Project
- Jordan Kosberg, School of Social Work, University of Alabama: powerpoint presentation
- Alison Leaney, President, Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse; BC Community Response Network (BCCRN)
- Sylvia MacLeay, 2nd Vice-President, Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of British Columbia
- Chris Morrissey, LGBT Centre, Vancouver: powerpoint presentation
- Charmaine Spencer, Gerontology Research Centre SFU