Filipino BC Marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with Free Community Presentation for Seniors and Older Adults
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Filipino BC is inviting older adults, caregivers, family members, and community members to attend a free legal advocacy clinic and community kitchen focused on elder abuse awareness, prevention, and support.
Taking place on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 411 Seniors Centre Society (3502 Fraser St), the event is presented in partnership with Seniors First BC as part of Kusina, which means "kitchen" in Tagalog. Kusina is a bimonthly event series by Filipino BC supported by the Law Foundation of BC, combining a shared hot meal with community education, resource navigation, and opportunities for connection.
Rooted in the Filipino values of care, community, and bayanihan (mutual support), Kusina creates welcoming spaces where people can access timely, accurate information, build relationships, and find support. While the program is rooted in Filipino experiences, it was created for everyone and welcomes participants from all cultural backgrounds.
Abuse affects between 4 and 10 per cent of older adults in Canada, yet experts believe the true number may be significantly higher due to underreporting. According to the Government of Canada, only one in five incidents of elder abuse comes to the attention of someone who can help. Financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse in Canada, but it can take many forms, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, and neglect.
Elder abuse can affect anyone, but racialized seniors and immigrant older adults often face additional barriers when seeking support. Language barriers, social isolation, cultural stigma, unfamiliarity with available services, immigration-related concerns, and a lack of culturally relevant resources can make it more difficult to recognize abuse, access help, or report concerns. For many older adults, experiences of discrimination and systemic inequities can further compound vulnerability and isolation.
Within Filipino communities and many other cultures, conversations about family conflict, caregiving challenges, financial abuse, and mental health can be difficult to navigate due to cultural expectations around respect for elders, family obligation, and privacy.
"Many older adults, particularly those from immigrant, refugee, racialized, and equity-deserving communities, face unique barriers to accessing support," said Kristina Corpin Moser, Executive Director of Filipino BC. "Through Kusina, we aim to create a culturally welcoming and accessible space where people can learn about elder abuse, connect with trusted resources, and have conversations that are often difficult but deeply important for the well-being of our families and communities."
Participants are welcome to come listen, ask questions, connect with others, or simply be in community. A free hot meal will be provided for all attendees.
If you have concerns about an older adult, please contact the Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL), which is a safe and confidential information helpline where you can speak with a trained worker. Language interpretation is available. Call 1-866-437-1940 (toll-free anywhere in BC), Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Event Details - Kusina: Elder Abuse Awareness with Seniors First BC
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: 411 Seniors Centre Society (3502 Fraser St)
Cost: Free
Registration Options:
- Fill out the form here
- Call 778-623-2030 and leave a message
- Email programs@filipinobc.com
- Register at the door (aliases welcome for those with precarious legal status)
