The provincial government will be investing $3.3 million over the next three years to address elder abuse throughout Alberta.

"Elder abuse", according to the Sage Seniors Association, "is any action, or lack thereof, that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult".

According to the provincial government, at least 1 in 10 seniors in Alberta experience elder abuse.

Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, spoke at a press conference and about the funding.

"This funding will provide $2.2 million to establish a new Safe Spaces program for seniors experiencing elder abuse in rural Alberta, and Indigenous communities to ensure that there are safe and accessible places for them to go in communities in rural Alberta, and Indigenous communities," the minister stated.

The additional $1.1 million will be going to the Sage Seniors Safe House in Edmonton to help expand their Safe House program, which will provide more shelter space for seniors who need them.

Bernice Sewell, Director of Operations at Sage Seniors Association, explained the Safe House program as "unique," and said that "most residents don't return to their abusive situations, underscoring the effectiveness of our integrated person-centered approach, and helping seniors break free from cycles of abuse, and creating lasting positive changes in their life."

"Today marks the culmination of many years of collaborative efforts with our community partners, and with our colleagues in government. We, as a community, benefit from the contributions of older adults as we, as a community, take action to be sure they are safe," Sewell added.

Listen to the CFWE radio feature below: