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BC ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY RESPONSE NETWORKS PRESENTS:

Recognize, Respond and Refer !

A Community Approach to Adult Abuse Prevention

DRAFT�

Your Presenter:

AI generated image

Revised October 2026

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Housekeeping

IE. How long is presentation, participants look after themselves and take breaks as needed, presenter promises to get people out on time, is it being recorded and will that be available to participants after, should they take notes or will they be given handouts after, how will questions be addressed and handled, during or after presentation is complete etc.

Important Points also to share with the audience:

**** If at any time you feel triggered or uncomfortable with any part of the presentation, please feel free to leave the room or shut off your camera if you are on Zoom. Myself or (another designated person) will be happy to meet with you after the presentation.

**** Please be respectful to all people attending the presentation, including the presenter.

**** Everyone is welcome to speak but we ask that you keep your comments and questions related to the presentation. Be mindful that the time you are using up affects everybody. Questions or comments beyond the scope of the presentation can be moved to the “parking lot” for a discussion after the presentation.

PRESENTER NOTE ONLY*** If a situation develops during a presentation, you as the presenter, reserve the right to cancel and reschedule the presentation.

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Land Acknowledgment

In this era of reconciliation, we acknowledge that the land we occupy has been populated by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before the Europeans settled here. We honour the ancestors of the past. We honour their legacy, their history, and their traditions.

This acknowledgment is expressed in gratitude for the opportunity for us to work across the province to reciprocate our efforts to establish meaningful relationships in our ongoing effort to end abuse of all kinds including adult abuse and neglect.

Land Acknowledgement

In this era of reconciliation, we acknowledge that the land we occupy has been populated by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before the Europeans settled here. We honour the ancestors of the past. We honour their legacy, their history and their traditions.

In upholding our vision and mission of the BC Association of Community Response Networks we individually and collectively acknowledge the unceded territories of all First Nations in British Columbia. We respect and acknowledge all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people for their many contributions to the richness of our communities. This acknowledgment is expressed in gratitude for the opportunity for us to work across the province to reciprocate our efforts to establish meaningful relationships in our ongoing effort to end abuse of all kinds including adult abuse and neglect.

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The BC CRN would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, BC Ministry of Health and BC Community Gaming Grants.

Acknowledgments

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Recognize, Respond and Refer!

Goal of the program is to:

Help people to identify high risk and vulnerable adults and how to assist that person.

Learning objectives:

Understand the role of the local CRN and how they can support the community.
Understand the role you can play in the community and what you can do to address abuse and neglect.
Understand different types of adult abuse and neglect.
Understand how and when to refer the individual to help.

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What is a CRN?

Community Response Networks. CRNs bring citizens, informal and formal service providers together to coordinate and respond around the issue of adult abuse, neglect, and self neglect.

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BC CRN and CRNs Key Relationships

BC CRN

Ministry of Health
Public Guardian and Trustee
CREA (Bankers, Lawyers, Aboriginal Leaders, COSCO, etc.)
RCMP and Municipal Police
First Responders
Seniors First BC
Community Gaming Grants
Other National Organizations (CNPEA, NICE, INPEA, etc.)
Community-based Senior Services Organizations

Local CRNS

97 CRNS

in 275 communities!

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Welcome to Recognize, Respond and Refer!

The program is designed to:

Help recognize adults that you meet everyday that may need some kind of assistance.
Give you some simple tips to promote well being and independence for everyone.
Help you connect vulnerable adults to needed programs and services.
Inform you what can happen if you should need to refer the vulnerable person for assistance.

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How can you and your community work together to prevent abuse and support those that may be experiencing it?

Why is it so important to learn about abuse?

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Stats to Ponder - Reasons to Refer

Worldwide:

1 in 6

or 15.7% of people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings (2022).

1 in 24

Only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported.

In 2022, approximately 1 in 6 or 15.7% people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings.

Ref: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people

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Stats to Ponder - Reasons to Refer

Canada:

76%

of seniors who reported experiencing incidents of elder abuse were physical assaults.

7.1%

of seniors reported experiencing emotional or financial abuse and 1.5% reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse by an intimate partner.

1 in 5

incidents comes to the attention of those that could help.

Only one in five incidents comes to the attention of those that could help.
Adults with disabilities are 1.5 times as likely to be victims of violence.

Ref: Violence against seniors and their perceptions of safety in Canada (statcan.gc.ca) report issued July 7, 2022

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Stats to Ponder - Reasons to Refer

British Columbia:

2,881

cases of abuse, neglect and self-neglect reported to Designated Agencies in 2025 (BC Senior’s Advocate).

1,922

reports of suspected cases of abuse, neglect and self-neglect in 2024/2025 that required their investigation. (Public Guardian and Trustee).

2,695

Cases or suspected abuse-related calls to the Seniors Abuse and Information Line . (SAIL)

BC Senior’s Advocate says in 2025 there were 2281 reported cases of abuse, neglect and self-neglect reported to Designated Agencies.
The Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) received 2310 abuse related calls up 21 % compared to 2019.
BC 211 Help Line received 846 call related to suspected cases of abuse, neglect and self-neglect

Ref: Data from Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC Monitoring report March 2026

OSA Monitoring Report – March 2025. Office of the Senior’s Advocate of BC

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Negative stigma.
Pride and stoicism.
Lack of information.
Feelings of shame, suspicion, and fear or feeling unworthy of help.
Losing what control they currently have over their lives.
Fear being placed in a care facility if someone finds out how poorly they are functioning.

The Recognize, Respond and Refer! function is invaluable.

Why are some adults reluctant to seek assistance ?

Click after you allow audience to answer the question.

Strategies that rely on traditional methods are ineffective.

Negative stigma associated with using “social services.”

Pride and stoicism may make people reluctant to ask for help that they believe they can or should provide for themselves.

Lack of information about what services are available or assistance for which they may qualify.

Feelings of shame, suspicion, and fear or feeling unworthy of help.

Fear being placed in a care facility if someone finds out how poorly they are functioning.

Health issues, loneliness and more could render them incapable of understanding the risks to their personal safety and wellbeing.

Recognize, Respond and Refer-Say Something participants are non-traditional referral sources because referrals take place informally through regular business activities and daily routines, which allows them to connect with vulnerable adults in ways that are respectful and non-threatening.

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Age
Developmental or cognitive disability
Physical disability
Mental illness
Chronic illness
Addiction
Isolation

What can make an Adult Vulnerable to Abuse?

Can you think of any other reasons?

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Anyone who has regular or a passing contact with the most isolated and vulnerable in the community we meet everyday.

You could be a friend, neighbor, an employee of business (large or small), staff who work in community service organizations, volunteers of any kind, or any concerned individual.

Who can Benefit from the Recognize, Respond and Refer Program?

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Concerned individuals.
Hospice or homecare workers.
Community volunteers.
Police officers, paramedics, and firefighters.
Telephone and other utilities’ personnel.
Bank and credit union personal.

Can you think of any others?

YOU !

Who else can benefit from this program?

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Role of Program Participants

The role of a Recognize, Respond and Refer ! participant includes:

Observing changes that could point to abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
Identifying people in trouble or potential trouble is essential.
Being respectful, ask if they would like some help.
Be conscious of how you ask questions.

Remember we DO NOT intervene.

Role of a program participant is to:

Observe

Ask

Listen

Refer

Help could be in the form of support information you may have on hand or are aware of.

Remember Help is the 'sunnyside' of control.

Everyone’s first reaction to a situation is to want to make it better.

Is that making it better for you?

Ask yourself: “Am I helping or controlling?”

Ask the group: Let me know if I'm being helpful or controlling with these questions and statements:

You don't seem your usual self today. You'd better see the nurse at the clinic. Here, I'll take you.

You don't seem your usual self today. Would you join me for a coffee?

You should tell your son to move out.

I want you to read this brochure I brought you and call these people.

I'm going to tell my supervisor about your story.

You seem really upset about the things your daughter says to you.

How bad is it?

Do you want any help? How can I help?

May I suggest something?

How physically safe are you?

Are you in any physical danger? (This is a closed ended question, actually.)

“A really painful dependency results from needing the help of others while being unable to negotiate the terms of the help received.”

- Mary Hill, Professor of Social Work

Remember, you do not intervene. Your role is what makes this program work. Most of us are not social workers or counselors.

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Being aware and on alert while in the presence of a senior, an adult with disabilities, or for that matter any vulnerable adult.

Listening and observing are the key skills needed to identify people who may be experiencing difficulties.

We DO NOT expect nor want you to assume the role of a social worker or counselor.

Skills of Program Participants

Skills include active listening and observing – being aware and alert.

You would also feel prepared to make a referral to a Crisis Line, Designated Agency, or appropriate agency. If you are a volunteer with a community-based agency, you should become familiar with your agency’s protocol in dealing with suspected adult abuse, neglect, or self-neglect. Other than that, you're addressing people with the same kindness, courtesy, and respect that you do with everyone you meet during your daily activities and routines.

That should relieve any anxiety that you're expected to be a social worker or counsellor.

You will also sharpen your responding skills. For example, consider how you would respond when dealing with someone who is extremely agitated or emotionally distraught. You should:

Use a calm voice.

Provide gentle reassurance or support.

Avoid arguing with the individual.

Ask open ended questions (no why questions or yes/no answers)

Try not to take it personally. These reactions may be indications of underlying emotional or mental problems, or fear.

Remember, anger is just the tip of the emotion’s iceberg – there’s likely a lot more emotions under the surface.

In extreme situations, if your safety or the safety of others is at risk, call an ambulance or the police.

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What are some changes we may notice?

Changes in behavior or personal appearance
Conditions of the home
Physical illness/disability
Mental or emotional state/health
Social or economic problems
Personality changes
Talk of suicide
Dementia

Abuse

We notice changes in Behaviour: Key is to observe and note repeat negative changes to appearance, behaviour,

or routine that may indicate abuse or neglect.

Important to look at the whole person, to avoid the mistake of trying to “fix something” that’s always been part of the picture.

Personal Appearance: Neglect in self care is often a sign a person is having trouble.

Conditions of the Home: Changes in the appearance of a person’s residence may reflect an inability to care for themselves or loss of interest in doing so.

Physical Illness/Disability: Changes to physical health, disability, and/or onset of chronic or acute illnesses can sometimes impair an individual’s ability to function.

Mental or Emotional State/Health: Changes to mental or emotional health is often a result of the onset of chronic or acute illness, and/or disability that may be related to a health condition.

Social Problems: Isolation can profoundly affect a person’s well-being..

Economic Problems: Economic problems can create a variety of hardships for people.

Personality Changes: Personality changes may indicate the onset of physical, mental or emotional problems.

Caregiver Stress: There is often a natural resistance on the part of a caregiver to accept help for a spouse or relative suffering

from diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, etc

Suicide: Subtle statements of self harm or self-directed threats to one’s life must be reported immediately. The signs that a person may be feeling suicidal include: The person may have experienced multiple and/or recent losses,

Abuse in its many forms: We will talk about this more in-depth in the next slide.

Dementia: Dementia is the irreversible loss of intellectual functioning caused by organic brain damage or disease.

Ask the Group for more examples of changes reflected in each heading and tell them there is additional information under this heading in their manual on pages 11-16.

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Abuse is a misuse of power

What is Abuse?

Financial abuse
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Spiritual abuse
Sexual abuse
Medication abuse

What are some forms abuse can take?

Can you think of any other forms of abuse?

Ask the Audience? What is abuse? Click. Abuse is a misuse of power. It can make the person experiencing, feel small, alone and powerless.

Victims sometimes live in fear everyday. But remember abuse is NOT just impolite or rude behaviour.

Financial Abuse: This is the misuse of a vulnerable person’s funds and/or assets - obtaining property and/or funds without their knowledge and full consent.

Other Forms of Abuse: Sadly, vulnerable adults often experience many other forms of abuse.

Some signs that you may notice include: bruising or signs of restraint, flinching or discomfort in being touched, sensitivity when being touched, changes in personality, depression or sadness, lack of self-esteem and self doubt, changes in spiritual practices and changes in awareness of surroundings, alertness, memory and weight.

People who are abused are often more isolated from friends, neighbours, and family than those who are not abused.

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What do you see and hear?

Video courtesy of University or Western Ontario It’s Not Right program series.

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The right to choose:

In BC, all adults have the legal right to live at risk.
Forcing assistance on someone is not the goal.

The right to self-determination:

The informed and capable adult has the right to refuse assistance and live at risk.

Health Authorities assess for capacity to make decisions.**

**BC Adult Guardianship Act Part 3 Par. 47. Item (1 to 3)

Ethics, Legalities & Confidentiality

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How will you work with the individual?

Vulnerable adults deserve to be informed of alternatives and options that will preserve their independence and enhance their quality of life.

You are a Good Samaritan:

If you are acting in good faith, you are not going to be held legally responsible for being concerned enough to make a referral.

Confidentiality:

Maintaining confidentiality of both yourself and the adult is extremely important.

Ethics, Legalities & Confidentiality

Ethics, legalities and confidentiality affects how you will work with the individual.

A Recognize, Respond and Refer, Say Something! approach does not interfere with (or violate) a person’s right to privacy or their right to seek or reject assistance. A Rcognize, Respond and Refer, Say Something! approach provides the essential link to opportunities for support.

The Good Samaritan law protects individuals who help a stranger, when acting in good faith or in their best interest.

Confidentiality is about one person entrusting information with another, the latter of which must protect both the identity of the entrusting individual and the information that has been shared.

The person making the referral may not want the person to know who referred them, as it may hamper a specific relationship. A referring individual's request to remain anonymous will be honoured. Persons who make a referral are protected from identity disclosure by the Adult Guardianship Act Part 3 Item 46(2).

It is common practice for referring organizations to have confidentiality policies in place. Staff and volunteers generally are trained to respect the privacy of all persons involved in a referral. If unsure, ask the organization for their confidentiality and privacy policies before proceeding with a referral.

Help is the 'sunnyside' of control.

Everyone’s first reaction to a situation is to want to make it better.

Is that making it better for you?

Ask yourself: “Am I helping or controlling?”

Ask the group: What are some ways you can breach confidentiality?

Discussing information with co-workers or co-volunteers.

Discussing information with friends or family.

Discussing names and addresses.

Discussing information in a coffee shop, elevator, or at the front desk.

Remember, discussing personal information about others in a way that may identify others can cause a breach in confidentiality. This is particularly important to consider in small communities where many people know one another.

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Recognize: Be aware and alert.

Respond: Speak to the person:

Ask.
Do they want help?
Do they need help?
Be respectful

Ask yourself, am I helping or controlling?

Refer: If necessary, by making a referral to a support organization or designated agency.

If this is an emergency situation requiring immediate assistance or involves a criminal act call 9-1-1.

What Can You Do?

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Reasons You May Need to Refer Someone

Of Course, Abuse or Neglect !

You may observe changes such as:

Changes in behavior or personal appearance
Conditions of the home
Physical illness/disability
Mental or emotional state/health
Social problems or economic problems
Personality changes
Talk of suicide
Dementia
Caregiver stress
Or we may be unsure what kind of support they need.

Ask the audience if they can think of any reasons for referral prior to clicking on the slide.

Changes in Behaviour: Key is to observe and note repeat negative changes to appearance, behaviour,