The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognizes June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Acknowledging and openly discussing elder abuse and neglect in our communities can be challenging, but it is essential to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of elders—who have the fundamental right not only to be safe, but to feel safe

Through its ongoing You Have a Right to Be Safe in Your Home and in Your Community campaign, the GNWT is working to raise awareness of elder abuse—promoting understanding of its causes and highlighting the supports and resources available to NWT residents who need help.

This campaign also aligns with the What Will it Take? and It’s Not Right campaigns used by the NWT Seniors’ Society to educate residents about preventing the abuse of older adults. To learn more about workshops available in the NWT, visit the NWT Network website.

Posters and fact sheets in all 11 NWT official languages are available and provide information on the most common types of abuse Elders can experience, including neglect as well as financial, psychological, physical and sexual abuse. Digital versions of these resources are available here.

In March 2026, the GNWT launched a new training video for its employees entitled Recognize and Respond to Elder Abuse. Designed to help people who work with Elders and seniors, this video supports the GNWT’s commitment to ensuring that Elders, seniors, and other vulnerable residents feel safe in their communities, and receive the informed support they need when experiencing harm.

For media requests, please contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca