New Brunswick commission emphasizes compassion and trauma-informed responses as financial exploitation cases rise
SAINT JOHN — Financial fraud and abuse targeting older adults often leave behind more than monetary losses, according to the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) of New Brunswick, which is using this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) campaign to highlight the emotional and psychological damage caused by financial exploitation.
The commission announced a series of awareness initiatives this month centred around the theme “Hidden Harms of Fraud,” aimed at encouraging more compassionate conversations around fraud victims and reducing the stigma often associated with financial abuse.
Officials say victims frequently experience fear, shame, grief and social isolation after being targeted, impacts that can persist long after the financial damage has occurred.
“This year’s theme encourages us to look beyond the dollars lost and think about the human impact of fraud,” said Marissa Sollows, the Commission’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs. “How we talk to people after fraud matters. Judgmental language or assumptions about how someone should have known better can make people feel ashamed and less likely to seek help.”
Public awareness events planned across New Brunswick
As part of its campaign, the commission will host several public events designed to raise awareness about elder abuse and financial exploitation.
The FCNB’s third annual Walk for WEAAD is scheduled for June 9 in both Saint John and Fredericton. The walks will bring together commission employees and provincial government staff to demonstrate support for seniors and vulnerable individuals affected by financial abuse.
The Saint John walk will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, beginning at the top of King Street. In Fredericton, participants will gather at the Fredericton Public Library on Carleton Street for a walk taking place during the same time period.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to encourage public discussion around elder abuse, which experts say remains significantly underreported due to embarrassment, fear and emotional trauma experienced by victims.
In addition to the public walks, the commission is partnering with the Office of Women and Gender Equity to host an educational webinar focused on the emotional consequences of fraud and financial abuse.
Webinar to focus on trauma-informed support
The webinar, titled Hidden Harms: Why how we talk about fraud and financial abuse matters, will be held virtually on June 11 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. AST.
According to the commission, the one-hour session will examine how financial exploitation affects older and vulnerable adults emotionally and psychologically, while also exploring how trauma-informed responses can help reduce victim-blaming and encourage individuals to seek support.
“The webinar is open to anyone interested in understanding the real-world impacts of fraud and financial abuse, including professionals working with older adults, survivors of fraud and community organizations,” Sollows said.
Organizers say the session is intended not only for professionals working in financial services, health care and social support sectors, but also for members of the public seeking a better understanding of how financial abuse affects victims beyond economic losses.
City of Saint John joins awareness campaign
In support of the awareness initiative, the City of Saint John will illuminate the Saint John sign at Fort Howe in purple on June 9, recognizing the official colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually on June 15 and serves as an international campaign to raise awareness of abuse, neglect and exploitation affecting older adults.
The FCNB says the annual observance is an opportunity to remind communities that financial abuse can impact anyone, regardless of age, education or financial background.
“By responding with empathy, reducing stigma and focusing on support rather than blame, communities can help people feel safer coming forward after fraud and getting the help they need,” Sollows said.
Growing focus on emotional impact of fraud
Financial regulators and advocacy organizations across Canada have increasingly emphasized the emotional and mental health impacts associated with scams and financial exploitation, particularly among seniors who may already face social isolation or vulnerability.
Experts note that victims of fraud are often reluctant to report incidents due to feelings of embarrassment or fear of being judged, creating additional barriers to recovery and support services.
By framing this year’s campaign around compassion and understanding, the New Brunswick commission hopes to encourage more supportive community responses and help victims feel safer seeking assistance.
Additional information about the Walk for WEAAD and the June 11 webinar is available through the FCNB website.
