Okay.
I'll conclude by mentioning some of the gaps we see and some ways in which I think the federal government can help.
Often there's a lack of alternatives for seniors with regard to living arrangements. They are dependent on the abuser. There is shame associated with being abused, as well as some fear and the feeling of being responsible for the criminal accountability that the abuser will face.
We would suggest that it's important for women to have enough financial benefits so they can live independently as long as possible; that government support local work that increases women's understanding of their rights and resources; and that government support local projects on the implementation of emerging best practices.
We would recommend having a federal campaign on positive health relationships and on how to talk to your family and friends about behaviours that cause concern.
I think it's important that the funding through the new horizons program be continued. Again, I think it's doing some great work across the country.
I would like to add that I think there is a need for awareness, not just among police forces, but among lawyers, around what can be done with existing legislation. But I also think we have to adopt an attitude of zero tolerance of elder abuse, as we have for other forms of abuse, whether it's in Boy Scouts or schools for native children in the past, or even in the way we're addressing child abuse. I really think we need to move towards this so people know that if they abuse a senior there will be serious consequences.
Thank you.