Mission
CNPEA builds awareness, support and capacity for a coordinated pan-Canadian approach to the prevention of elder abuse and neglect. We promote the rights of older adults through knowledge mobilization, collaboration, policy reform and education.
Vision
All older adults in Canada have the support they need to thrive within their communities and live free from violence and neglect.
Values and Principles
Collaboration and Capacity Building - We work across sectors and jurisdictions to foster a coordinated approach to the systemic prevention of elder abuse and neglect.
Respect and Inclusion - We defend older people’s human rights and autonomy, root our work in anti-ageism, and seek to amplify the diverse voices and experiences of older people. We believe that violence and inequities affecting us as we age can only be addressed through an intersectional lens.
Accountability and Credibility - We are accountable to our members and stakeholders, including all older Canadians. Transparency and integrity guide our internal and external practices. We are committed to developing, supporting and mobilizing trusted, evidence-based resources.
Innovation - We seek and promote innovative approaches to expand knowledge, enrich our work and inform meaningful change to improve the lives of older adults.
Open-mindedness and Sensitivity - We take a “listen first” approach to our work, incorporating the diverse lived experience of older Canadians into every aspect of our work through thoughtful consultation. We consider and address the unique needs of communities across the country, without making sweeping or simplifying assumptions on the modern experience of aging.
Our Structure
The network is led by a pan Canadian board of directors who each bring their passion and varied expertise. The network has a membership of individuals and organizations from across Canada who come from all walks of life and who care about older adults and the prevention of harm in later life.
Become a member
CNPEA is a registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency
Charitable Registration Number: 866840523 RR0001
Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of seniors, individuals from organizations that serve or represent seniors, service providers, including police, individuals in government, and academics. The board is nominated from the membership once a year and meets monthly. As a working board, members serve on one or more special committees.
For any inquiry, contact the CNPEA Executive Director: Bénédicte Schoepflin
Board of Directors
Mohamed Abdallah, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Mohamed Abdallah is a dedicated advocate for housing solutions and social justice, with over a decade of experience in affordable housing, social housing, homelessness prevention, and community-based initiatives. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Connections for Seniors, Mohamed has spearheaded innovative programs that provide emergency shelter, supportive housing, affordable housing, and wraparound services to vulnerable older adults in Newfoundland and Labrador. His leadership has resulted in the expansion of housing initiatives, strategic partnerships with government and nonprofit sectors, and the successful implementation of a Housing First approach to older adult homelessness.
Dr. David Burnes, Toronto, Ontario
PhD, Canada Research Chair in Older Adult Mistreatment Prevention
Professor, University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
Co-Founder of RISE (Community-Based Response Intervention for Older Adults At Risk of or Experiencing Mistreatment or Self-Neglect)
Affiliate Scientist, Baycrest, Rotman Research Institute
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse Board
Read more
"I joined the board of CNPEA because I am passionate about the well-being of older adults and working toward solutions that support those who are at risk of or experiencing mistreatment. I believe that CNPEA has the capacity to make powerful changes in Canada toward a society in which older adults can live safely and with dignity."
Dr. Saveria Caruso, Barrie, Ontario
Saveria Caruso holds a doctorate in Education (Ed. D.) from the University of Toronto. As a teacher, principal, researcher, program officer within the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel Ontario and the French - language Policy and Programs Branch at the Ministry of Education, Saveria has always felt a sense of mission for the French - language school mandate. She believes it contributes to the transmission of language and culture, identity building, student success and well - being. From 2010 to 2018, she developed leadership skills within the Ministry of Education, the Standards of Practice and Accreditation Branch at the Ontario College of Teachers and the French language school board Conseil scolaire Viamonde, working collaboratively with diverse groups of researchers, professional leaders, parents and community members. Saveria’s engagement in the actualization of the mandate of the French - language school exemplifies this fundamental principle: The integration of culture in the curriculum and pedagogy also entails the celebration of diversity inviting Francophones of all origins to contribute to the vitality of the Ontario French-language community. A life-long learner, a Doctor of Education graduate, who recently received an Honours Bachelor of Social Work, Saveria stresses the importance of well-being while answering the needs of culturally diverse Francophone communities. Passionate about providing services in French and preventing elder abuse, she volunteers with various organizations including RPMAFO.
Claire Checkland, Stittsville, Ontario
Claire is a passionate, results-oriented health advocate with 20 years of experience in government and stakeholder relations and policy analysis for national not-for-profit health organizations including the Canadian AIDS Society, Canadian Cancer Society and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health where she has helped the organization achieve sustainability and grow their membership to more than 2,000 individuals and organizations. Claire has a successful track record engaging varied stakeholders in progress towards common health and social goals and has an ability to identify and implement new, innovative approaches to organizational priority issues. She is adept at facilitating the establishment of sustained, meaningful relationships with community, stakeholders and government officials. Claire has an undergraduate-honours degree in Psychology as well as a Diploma of Social Sciences. She lives in Stittsville, Ontario with her husband and two sons.
Chantale Courcy, Ottawa, Ontario
Chantale recently retired as an Executive with the Government of Canada. She had an eclectic career ranging from leading grants and contributions programs, heading a regulatory agency, starting up the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, negotiating with provinces and territories to build capacity in rural and remote communities across Canada, and delivering a learning curriculum to all public servants located outside Ottawa. Most recently, Chantale assisted the federal government's COVID-19 response for older adults in western Canada including commissioning research with the SFU School of Gerontology. This sparked her passion to support and influence ways that older adults are engaged, connected and have opportunities to actively contribute to our communities. Since retiring, she has volunteered for the Java Group Programs designed to address depression and loneliness of seniors and as a member of the Health Issues Committee of the Council on Aging of Ottawa. On a more personal note, she has experienced the vulnerability of older adults while caring for family members. Chantale is active in her community and loves being a grandmother! She is keen to contribute to CNPEA’s important agenda.
Dr. Mélanie Couture, Sherbrooke, Québec
Mélanie Couture, PhD, is the current chairholder of the Research Chair on Older Adult Mistreatment and associate professor at the School of Social Work - Université de Sherbrooke. She has worked as a researcher in social gerontology for more than a decade. Her research promotes the co-construction and integration of clinical and organizational innovations for the prevention and management of mistreatment situations in the context of caregiving, common living environments and in the use of technologies for aging in place.
Eva Eros, Beaubassin Est, New Brunswick
Eva trained as a physician in the UK before moving to Canada in 1975. She initially worked in Ontario, then Halifax, before starting her own family practice in Moncton in 1982. In 2008, Eva started working in geriatric care and found it to be the area of medicine that was the most challenging and rewarding, especially working with and providing support to family caregivers of patients living with dementia. Eva also worked alongside social workers on quite a number of cases of elder abuse. Eva has personal experience as a family caregiver for both her parents and her husband. She spends part of the year in New Brunswick and part in Ottawa where her children and grandchildren live.
Andrew Iaboni, Markham, Ontario
Andrew is currently Treasurer of the Board
Andrew Iaboni brings 20 years of financial leadership experience to the Board. Andrew holds a CPA designation and received a Bachelor of Commerce and Major in Economics from the University of Toronto. Andrew is currently working in the real estate industry for a private equity owned global property management company and servers as Global Vice President, Corporate Finance.
Anna Kamateros, Montréal, Québec
Anna leads KRB’s Wills, Estates and Planning group, advising individuals, families, family offices, and investment professionals on preserving and transferring wealth. She works closely with accountants, tax planners, and health care professionals to deliver estate and later-life planning strategies that minimize conflict and optimize asset distribution. Her practice includes preparing wills, protection mandates (formerly mandates in case of incapacity), and advising liquidators (formerly executors) on their responsibilities in administering estates. Anna has developed particular expertise in addressing situations of elder mistreatment, helping families navigate complex legal and emotional challenges with sensitivity and clarity. She is frequently consulted in cases involving vulnerable adults and collaborates with medical and social service teams to ensure protective measures are in place. In addition to her estate planning work, Anna has extensive experience in Real Estate and Banking and Finance, with deep knowledge of title issues in both commercial and residential transactions. This multidisciplinary background enhances her ability to identify and mitigate risks related to real estate interests.
Ken Kuhn, Port Moody, British Columbia
Ken went to UBC & U of Oregon to receive his MBA & MSc degrees, and taught business courses in the Coquitlam School District, BCIT, & UBC. Ken retired from teaching about twelve years ago.Ken spends his retirement life “paying it forward” on seniors’ issues as Executive Director of the Tri-Cities Seniors’ Action Society (TCSAS) & Coordinator of the New Horizons Grants received by the TCSAS. Ken has written three successful NHSP grants over the last three years as well as a UBCM Age-Friendly grant for the City of Port Moody. As ED of TCSAS, Ken has organized several free events for seniors such as: Age-Friendly Tri-Cities, WorldFest—A Seniors’ Celebration of Cultures, the Elder Abuse & Wellness Forum, and Pathways to Better Health Forum.Ken is also a Regional Mentor for Fraser Valley West for the BC Association of Community Response Networks to promote Awareness of Adult Abuse. His network area includes the Lower Mainland communities of the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody), Maple Ridge, New Westminster, and Burnaby. Ken frequently offers workshops in adult abuse awareness in the Lower Mainland.Ken promotes immunization awareness for seniors in workshops and media through an educational grant from Sanofi-Pasteur Ken has a passion for seniors’ issues: abuse awareness and prevention, advocating for healthy aging, and keeping seniors connected in their communities.
Jodi Lee-White, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Jodi is currently Chair of the Board
After starting out in private practice, Jodi undertook various roles in her professional association with exposure to a wide variety of legal issues. In 2014, she returned to her roots in estate planning, starting a mobile legal practice preparing Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives. Through her practice and her participation in various professional groups, it became increasingly clear that greater efforts needed to be made to prevent the mistreatment and abuse of older adults, particularly those with disabilities and vulnerabilities. She presents regularly to professionals and the public on estate planning topics, encouraging everyone over the age of majority to have valid and up-to-date Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney with sufficient checks and balances to ensure their long-term care, autonomy and dignity is respected.
Kathy Majowski, Tyndall, Manitoba
Kathy is currently Vice Chair of the Board
Kathy is a Registered Nurse currently working in a community health program that provides comprehensive, person-centred support to older adults living in Winnipeg's core area. Her career in health care spans over 2 decades, and includes front-line nursing, clinical/classroom instruction, educational program development, long-term care staff education, home care case coordination, and volunteer work as part of advisory panels and boards. Throughout her career, Kathy has recognized that being a nurse includes working towards improving the care that people receive, and she spends time raising awareness about and working towards addressing the systemic gaps in services for the people that she supports, which have predominantly been older adults in various areas of the health system. She is a passionate voice for strengthening community services for older adults in Manitoba and across Canada, and is frequently invited to speak to community groups, post-secondary students, and colleagues about the impact of ageism and the role we each have in preventing elder abuse. Kathy is honoured to be returning to CNPEA's Board in 2024, and is looking forward to the work ahead.
Michele Markham, Edmonton, Alberta
Michele Markham is a Registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers and holds a Bachelor Degree in Human Service Administration. For the past six years she has worked at Sage Seniors Association in Edmonton as the Manager of the Seniors’ Safe House, a shelter for older adults needing safety from abuse. Michele participates on the management committee of the Seniors Protection Partnership, is a member of the Diverse Voices conference planning committee and co-chair of the Elder Abuse Consultation Team. In addition to working at Sage, Michele is a member of the MacEwan University School of Social Work Advisory Council, is a Public Member of the Mental Health Review Panel, and is past Chair of the Board of Directors of the George Spady Society. In addition to working in the field of social work for nearly 30 years, she has more than 20 years of experience with Board Governance and has facilitated numerous board development workshops as part of the Board Development program with the Alberta Government.
Amy Peirone, Kingsville, Ontario 
Having recently completed her Ph.D. in Sociology with a Specialization in Social Justice, Dr. Amy Peirone is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher. Her research expertise is in research methodology and the study of various forms of violence. Amy’s current research explores the distinct types of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by males and females in Canada and the multi-level factors related to these abusive experiences. In addition to her postdoctoral research, Amy is currently an Instructor at St. Clair College, where she teaches Criminology as well as Law, Power, and Social Justice. Other roles that Amy has taken on include Co-Director for the University of Windsor’s Health Research Centre for the Study of Violence Against Women, Coordinator for the Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee Windsor-Essex, and Amy is a long-standing member of the Board of Directors at St. Leonard’s House Windsor, a halfway house for federal offenders.
Heather Treleaven, Maple Ridge, BC
Heather Treleaven is the Executive Director of the British Columbia Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN), succeeding founding ED Sherry Baker in March 2024.Prior to joining BC CRN, Heather served as Executive Director of the Seniors Network Society of Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows for 14 years. During her tenure, she supported the growth of the local Community Response Network and witnessed firsthand the power of grassroots initiatives in building coordinated responses to adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
Under her leadership, the Cities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows earned the BC Age-Friendly Community designation, and the City of Maple Ridge joined the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities. She also spearheaded the creation and long-term operation of an Intergenerational Garden, started two local Men’s Sheds and with the United Way of British Columbia, published an Emergency Preparedness Guide for Seniors.Recognized as a genuine, approachable, and respected community leader, Heather brings a deep commitment to empowering older adults, advancing community well-being, and strengthening collaborative responses that ensure safety, dignity, and inclusion.
Past Honorary Member
Elizabeth Podnieks, Toronto, Ontario (1929- 2024)
Elizabeth was one of the founding members of three key organizations in this area: Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA), CNPEA~RCPMTA, and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). She served on the Executive for all three bodies and actively promoted the value of Networks at all levels.
She was the architect of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in 2003 and Chair of the WEAAD Steering Committee.
For over a quarter century, Elizabeth conducted research and published extensively in the area of abuse and neglect, as well as having supported the efforts of others. She presented at numerous conferences, workshops, scientific and educational meetings at both the national and international level.
Dr. Podnieks received the Order of Canada for her work in the area of abuse prevention, including the first Canadian incidence study in 1989. On June 14th, 2012, she also received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of her lifetime commitment and efforts. Elizabeth was elected honorary director of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. (United States)
Elizabeth has been the source of passion and imagination on numerous initiatives in this area. She generated the project "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in Cyberspace" working with national and international partners to harness social media in raising awareness of senior abuse.
Elizabeth received the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) National Rosalie Wolf Award 2013 and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) International Rosalie Wolf Award for 2013, becoming the first person to be the recipient of two Rosalie Wolf awards in the same year.
Strategic Plan 2024-2027
In order to support the Network’s expansion and CNPEA’s growth as a leader on elder abuse prevention and intervention in Canada and internationally, the Board of Directors has developed a new Strategic Planning for 2024-2027. This document presents the main pillars of this plan.
Updated General By-Laws 2025
Members of our Executive Committee completed a comprehensive review of CNPEA's By-Laws to align with the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. The 2025 General By-law was approved by the Board of Directors on June 12, 2025. The Special Resolution and 2025 General By-law 2025 were presented for confirmation by the members by a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the members of the Network who voted in respect of the resolution at our 2025 AGM. Read the special resolution and updated By-Laws.
Knowledge Sharing Project (2013-2016)
The CNPEA Knowledge Sharing Project was a three-year initiative to support the exchange of ideas and resources among key stakeholders who are working to prevent and respond to elder abuse in Canada. Key goals of the Knowledge Sharing Project:
- Create mechanisms for sharing information about promising approaches in elder abuse prevention and response. This website exists to realize that goal. It is a national electronic hub for connecting service providers and seniors’ organizations. The hub serves as a central point of contact for elder abuse information and resources across Canada.
- Increase the capacity of organizations and networks to prevent and respond to cases of elder abuse, by
- facilitating access to reliable information and key resources
- connecting stakeholders to each other through the hub
Welcome to www.cnpea.ca,
the Knowledge-Sharing Hub!
What is it?
- A user-friendly website, informed by the expertise of CNPEA members. The content of this site is curated for and provided by elder abuse stakeholders from across the country.
- An interactive way to connect and collaborate with your peers and with experts, to share and find recent resources, and to blog about your views.
- A national platform - ideal to disseminate your research to a diverse audience.
- An overview of available resources, publications, research and promising projects for community members and stakeholders involved in a variety of sectors and disciplines.
- A source of information for elders in need.
Find it all here.
Explore the Hub...
1-Read:
- Browse our blog and resources. You can consult them by chronological order or by using the "Browse by Tag" option at the top right-hand corner of the page.
2- Be part of the community:
- Become a member (it's free) and stay informed of the latest news via our monthly newsletter
- Discover our online community at large: on Twitter, on Facebook or on LinkedIn. Connect with us in the way that suits you best.
3- Share your views
- Are you a student? Learn how you can become your school’s ambassador at CNPEA
- Become a guest blogger
- Can you think of a good resource? Did you find a gap? Let us know about it.
4- Provide feedback
- Use the "Feedback/Ideas" red tab on the left-hand side of your screen to let us know about your experience
The Knowledge-Sharing Hub was funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program (2013-2016).
June 15 is
World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day!
WEAAD is marked each year on June 15. It is an official United Nations International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
Since 2006, communities throughout the country and around the world have honoured this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse by organizing events to share information and promote resources and services that can help increase seniors’ safety and well-being. Elder Abuse networks and other organizations are planning multiple WEAAD activities across the country to mobilize community action and engage people in discussions on how to promote dignity and respect of older adults.
Let's honour this landmark and continue raising public awareness of elder abuse with events across the country! Share your events, pictures and with us on Twitter and Facebook!
Looking for materials to share before or during your event?
Check out these Provincial/Territorial organizations' sites for tips, posters, postcards and other materials:
- Alberta: The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council shares a WEAAD toolkit every year.
Find it at https://www.albertaelderabuse.ca/weaad - British Columbia: BC Association of Community Response Networks coordinates many events across the province of British Columbia. To learn more about their WEAAD plans each year, visit https://bccrns.ca/
- Manitoba:
Proclamation templates, events, stickers and logos, you can find all of this and more on the WEAAD Manitoba website: https://weaadmanitoba.ca/ - Northwest Territories: Head to NWT Seniors Society for information about WEAAD and Seniors Citizen Month
- Ontario: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario is part of a joint campaign with CNPEA and other partners every year. You can find updates at https://eapon.ca/weaad/
- U.S.: Check out NCEA's logos, fact sheets, social media banners and customizable templates at National Center on Elder Abuse - WEAAD Tools and Tips
Do you have WEAAD-ready resources you want to share? Let us know about them!
WEAAD TIPS
Join the Movement – Get Involved!
We encourage everyone to get involved and to raise awareness about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
A wide variety of events and activities can be planned by organizations and individuals alike. Here are a few examples of what you can do:
Host:
- A public awareness event geared toward seniors.
- A community walk
- A High Tea
- A purple dinner
- A flash mob event
- A conference or training, focused on elder abuse awareness and available community resources.
- A public awareness activity that includes politicians, seniors, local programs, survivors of abuse, and others
Communicate:
- Send out a press release, hold a press conference, or submit an editorial to discuss elder abuse awareness and prevention efforts.
- Develop a PSA on elder abuse with a local TV or radio station.
- Ask local leaders, the Mayor, MP, MPP to release a Proclamation declaring June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
- Create a poster on elder abuse or use a poster created by a local elder abuse prevention organization.
- Harness the power of social media to raise WEAAD’s profile and broadcast news of various events. Join our yearly social media campaign and share our content.
Educate:
- Yourself and others about elder abuse
- Use graphics -on your website, blog, or in your email signature block- to draw awareness to elder abuse and prevention efforts
WEAAD 2025
Be Bold - Age With Attitude!
Join our National WEAAD Virtual event on June 11th, 2025
From 10 AM to 11:30 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern
Register today!
Every year, on June 15th, we all join forces to remind the world that older people are rights holders, who deserve to live free from ageism, abuse and neglect.
Like previous years, CNPEA, EAPO, CanAge and many provincial partners, are inviting Canadians of all ages to become a champion of elder abuse prevention and to stand up for the rights of older people. This year, we challenge you all to age with attitude!
Join us on June 11th for a lively, interactive panel discussion with speakers who are engaged in changing the way we think about aging and treat older people, promoting the rights of older persons in their own way. They will share their knowledge and initiatives to address ageism and discuss different approaches to help build more inclusive, safer communities for all ages. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers through a moderated Q & A period.
By shedding light on these important issues, we hope to foster a greater awareness of the challenges faced by older Canadians and the need for further action to counteract ageism, support elder abuse prevention, and foster respect, and safety and restore the rights of older persons.
Ending ageism and elder abuse begins with acknowledging seniors have the right to live with dignity and respect. Change can happen if citizens, advocates, professionals and leaders in communities and governments work on a shared vision to prevent violence and abuse of older people in their homes and communities.
SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN
You can play a role in helping to spread the word about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Using social media is an excellent way to engage our community around this important topic. We have developed materials to help you promote #WEAAD2025 on social media.
- Campaign Hashtags:
Primary: #WEAAD2025 #BeBoldAgeWithAttitude
Secondary: #AgeBold #BoldVoices #StrongTogether - Download our social media cards
- Download the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day logos bundle
WEAAD 2024:
Be bOld - Age With Atttude!
Every year, on June 15th, we all join forces to remind the world that older people are rights holders, who deserve to live free from ageism, abuse and neglect.
Like previous years, CNPEA, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, CanAge and many provincial partners, are inviting Canadians of all ages to become a champion of elder abuse prevention and to stand up for the rights of older people. This year, we challenge you all to be bOld and to Age With Attitude!
Ageism (how we think, feel and act towards people based strictly on their age) may lead you to you think that getting older is nothing but a process of loss, and that older people are a burden, when nothing is further from the truth. Age discrimination is what we should be worried about, not aging.
By letting ageism dictate our ways of thinking, policies and programs, we are missing out on endless talent, experience, creativity and economic participation that people can offer as they age. Mindset matters to build a society where older people are truly valued, supported and live free from ageism, abuse and neglect.
We encourage you to support our campaign on social media by using the hashtags #bOld and #WEAAD2024, and to think of actions you can take to contribute to elder abuse prevention in your community and to promote the voices of older people.
JOIN US FOR OUR NATIONAL ONLINE EVENT
ON JUNE 12, 2024!
Like every year, we will be bringing together experts and community members to discuss what we can all do to ensure older Canadians are safe from abuse and neglect.Our 2024 panel of speakers will be announced closer to the date. Stay tuned!
REGISTER TODAY
WEAAD RESOURCES
EAPO and CNPEA have developed a suite of materials to help you participate in WEAAD 2024 and support the Age With Attitude campaign:
- WEAAD Social Media Guide: The guide includes tips on using social media, and sample posts you can use (just cut and paste!).
- Visual assets that you can share on social media.
- A bundle of WEAAD logos in different formats
- and more!
Find it all and download what you need right here
WEAAD 2023:
Rights Don’t Get Old
Every year, on June 15th, we all join forces to remind the world that rights don’t get old.
Like previous years, CNPEA and partners CanAge, EAPO and BC CRN are inviting Canadians of all ages to become a champion of elder abuse prevention and to stand up for the rights of older people. We are bringing back our RIghts Don't Get Old campaign for the third year in a row. We encourage you to support #RightsDoNotGetOld on social media and to think of actions you can take to contribute to elder abuse prevention in your community.
JOIN US FOR OUR NATIONAL ONLINE EVENT ON JUNE 15!
Like every year, we will be bringing together experts on aging and elder abuse and community members to discuss what we can all do to ensure older Canadians are safe from abuse and neglect. Our 2023 panel of speakers will be announced closer to the date.
In case you missed it, you can watch the 2022 WEAAD panel here.
REGISTER NOW
WEAAD Materials
If you are planning to host an event, design some materials, or simply support our campaign on social media, we have created some logos and assets that you can use. You can download WEAAD logos here. We will be adding more social media assets in weeks to come.
STAY IN THE LOOP
Don't miss a single announcement about WEAAD, sign up for CNPEA's updates and for the WEAAD newsletter.
TAKE ACTION
We all have a role to play to help prevent elder abuse and make our communities safe for all ages.
All Canadians can:
- Work with their community to make elder abuse a top priority
- Learn to recognize signs of elder abuse
- Know how to respond and refer seniors for help
All organizational leaders should:
- Include ageism prevention in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion practices
All elected officials and policy makers should:
- Make their community age-friendly
- Invest in elder abuse prevention
These recommended actions are from CNPEA's community engagement strategy Future Us: A Roadmap to Elder Abuse Prevention. Check it out here to learn more about promising approaches, and ways that you can participate in the journey toward elder abuse prevention.
WEAAD 2022:
Rights Don’t Get Old
Every year, on June 15th, we all join forces to remind the world that rights don’t get old.
This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), we’re inviting Canadians of all ages to become a champion of elder abuse prevention by pledging to stand up for the rights of older people. Our 2022 WEAAD campaign is focused on key actions you can take to prevent elder abuse in your community.
All Canadians can:
- Work with their community to make elder abuse a top priority
- Learn to recognize signs of elder abuse
- Know how to respond to elder abuse and refer seniors for help
All organizational leaders should:
- Include ageism prevention in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion practices
All elected officials and policy makers should:
- Make their community age-friendly
- Invest in elder abuse prevention
These recommended actions are from CNPEA's community engagement strategy Future Us: A Roadmap to Elder Abuse Prevention, which launched on March 24, 2022.
Together with our WEAAD partners CanAge, EAPO and BC CRN, we encourage you to ‘Take the Pledge’ on WEAAD.ca in the coming weeks. You can also downloads pledge cards and WEAAD logos from the same website. Share them freely online and with your contacts!
Join us for our flagship online event on June 15th.Sign up for our WEAAD newsletter to stay in the loop!
WEAAD 2021:
Rights Don’t Get Old
The basic human rights of older Canadians are challenged and undercut every day and, tragically, this has never been more true than over the last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s estimated that 7 to 10% of older Canadians are victims of elder abuse. 1 in 6 seniors globally.
We cannot allow this to continue.
This WEAAD, CNPEA, EAPO and CanAge are teaming up to create a national conversation around elder abuse prevention and what each of us can do to uphold and protect the rights of seniors in your community. Throughout the campaign, we’ll be sharing compelling statistics and useful resources, igniting a national conversation and shining a light on the need to create a coordinated pan-Canadian approach to elder abuse prevention.
There are a few easy ways you can participate in WEAAD and join the movement:
1. Register for our free online event
Our June 15 webinar, entitled ‘Aging with Rights: Ending Elder Abuse in Canada’, is the main event of WEAAD 2021. It’s a not-to-be-missed interactive national event that brings together a panel of experts, political figures, advocates and concerned people like you to engage in an inspiring discussion about how we, as a country, can fight elder abuse and protect the rights of older people.
Make sure you secure your seat quickly, as space is limited (and share widely with your networks!).
REGISTER HERE
2. Visit the website
CanAge, EAPO and CNPEA have launched a dedicated website at www.WEAAD.ca. This page will serve as the central hub of our campaign, and will contain everything you need to get informed and get engaged:
- Registration link for our webinar
- Social media messages you can share to speak out on the rights of older Canadians
- Downloadable posters and social media cards
3. Speak out
CNPEA and EAPO have developed a WEAAD Social Media Guide to help you promote #WEAAD2021 on social media. The Guide includes tips on using social media, and sample posts you can use (just cut and paste!). We have also developed some visual assets that you can share on socia media.
Download the WEAAD social media cards bundle - ENGLISH (9MB zip)
WEAAD 2021 Logos
Square format - Download here
Banner with hashtags - Download here
Banner no hashtags - Download here
We can't wait to see your posts! Remember to use #RightsDoNotGetOld and #WEAAD2021 in all of them.
WEAAD celebrates its 15th anniversary!
CNPEA and Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario invite you to join us as we mark this milestone day. This year's theme is
Uproot Elder Abuse, Plant a Seed for Change
inspired by WEAAD founder Elizabeth Podnieks.
Since WEAAD’s inception, communities across the globe have used the day to raise the visibility of elder abuse by sharing information and promoting resources and services that increase seniors’ safety and well-being.
The current pandemic may have disrupted our way of life and altered WEAAD plans, but here’s something we can all do safely in our own homes: plant something in our gardens and on our window sills. Make it a neighbourhood planting ceremony, or a family activity, by using a video call or hosting a Zoom gardening session! Trees and plants have a healing quality that positively affect us, our communities, and our world.
On June 15, join us on social media to share our campaign #UprootAbuse and your gardening pictures/videos with us. A safe, fun, and intergenerational activity to engage in together to help plant the seed for change!
We also chose to plant trees and seedlings this year to symbolize the connection between older adults and the planet we all dwell on. Environmental crises are directly connected to increased vulnerability and to the violation of older people’s human rights. In times of disasters, older adults are often among the most vulnerable populations, facing ageist attitudes and policies, and a lack of access to suitable resources and services.
On June 15, 2020, let’s recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with renewed conviction and energy, to uproot elder abuse and plant a seed for change.
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
We need you to spread the word. In the next few weeks, and particularly on June 15, EAPO and CNPEA will post messages on our respective social media channels.
You can support us by
- Sharing/retweeting EAO's and CNPEA's updates and tweets.
- Telling your contacts and followers why you support the campaign #UprootElderAbuse and invite them to support it too.
- On June 15, plant a seedling or a flower, take a photo/video and post it to social media (tag CNPEA and Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario so we can see them and share them), use the hashtag #UprootElderAbuse. You can also write a message to express your commitment to bring about change for the care, support, and well-being of older adults. Individual actions matter, how will you contribute to uproot elder abuse?
- Tag friends, families and colleagues, get them in on the action!
New to online WEAAD events? To make your life easier, we created:
- a social media sheet. It contains tips to support this campaign, as well as message templates that you can simply copy and paste. Just remember to use the hashtags #UprootElderAbuse and #WEAAD2020.
- social media cards: visuals that you can download and share
- A set of logos in various formats.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT
Check out our 2020 Social Media Tip Sheet to help you craft your messages and join the #UprootElderAbuse campaign.
WEAAD 2020 LOGOS
Email Header (jpeg)
For Facebook (jpeg)
For Twitter (jpeg)
For LinkedIn (jpeg)
SOCIAL MEDIA CARDS
SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN - #AgeofInclusion
This year, CNPEA and Elder Abuse Ontario have joined forces for a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day social campaign. With your help, we hope to shine a light on social inclusion, as a tool to keep us safe from abuse as we age.
Throughout the next month, until World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), CNPEA and EAO will lead a social media campaign called #AgeofInclusion.
Why focus on social inclusion?
- Because being socially isolated is a common affliction among older adults. More than 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.
- Because isolation and loneliness are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
- Because social isolation can put seniors at increased risk for elder abuse
- Because each of us can play a meaningful role in helping include older adults in all aspects of life and contribute to preventing elder abuse.
How can I help?
We need you to spread the word. In the next few weeks, and particularly on June 15, EAO and CNPEA will post messages on our respective social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). We will share information, resources, inspiration, and tips about social inclusion and its benefits when it comes to older adults' health, well-being, and elder abuse prevention.
You can support us by
- Sharing/retweeting EAO's and CNPEA's updates and tweets.
- Telling your contacts and followers why you support the campaign #AgeofInclusion, why it matters and why they should too.
To make your life easier, we created the factsheet "Using social media to promote WEAAD 2019". It contains tips to support this campaign, as well as message templates that you can simply copy and paste. Just remember to use the hashtags #AgeofInclusion and #WEAAD2019.
We have also created a set of bilingual images, posters, and logos (see below). We invite you to use them and share them with your contacts.
On June 15, we hope you will join us in marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and telling the world about #AgeofInclusion
WEAAD 2019 Logo
Web optimized
Social Media Banners
Email Header En (Jpg) Fr (Jpg)
Twitter En (Jpg) Fr (Jpg)
Facebook En (Jpg) Fr (Jpg)
LinkedIn En (Jpg) Fr (Jpg)
AGE OF INCLUSION POSTERS
SOCIAL MEDIA FACTSHEET
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