Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick highlights hidden harms of fraud with June awareness events

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick is marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a public awareness initiative focused on the hidden harms of fraud. The campaign highlights that financial exploitation is not only measured in money lost, but also in fear, shame, grief and isolation, and stresses that responses to victims can either reduce or worsen those harms. The Commission will hold its third Walk for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 9 in Saint John and Fredericton, and will co-host a free webinar with the Office of Women and Gender Equity on June 11 titled Hidden Harms: Why how we talk about fraud and financial abuse matters. The one-hour session will examine the emotional effects of financial exploitation on older and vulnerable adults and how trauma-informed, compassionate responses can reduce barriers to seeking help, limit victim-blaming and strengthen support. In support of the initiative, the City of Saint John will illuminate the Saint John sign on Fort Howe in purple on June 9.