Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to highlight ageism and inequality around the globe.

Penny Byer from the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council explains less than a third of elder abuse incidents get reported, which can be attributed to a variety of factors.

Some include the abused elder not wanting to bring shame or legal action against their abuser, who is likely to be a family member or caregiver, and feel they rely on them for things like social interaction and shelter.

Byer adds that the victim may feel ashamed, feel the abuse is a private issue that shouldn’t be shared outside the home, or may not speak or understand the language support services that are offered in Canada such as English or French.

Byer encourages people to use the Seniors Abuse Support Line at 1-888-896-7183 if they or someone they know is being abused.