Backgrounder
October 19, 2005
ELDER ABUSE: THE HIDDEN CRIME
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is defined as any act or omission that harms a senior or jeopardizes
his or her health or welfare. Elder abuse can take a number of forms:
neglect and /or physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse. Studies
have shown that financial abuse is the most prevalent form, followed closely
by psychological and physical abuse.
Who are its victims?
No one is immune from this often unreported crime. Any senior can experience
abuse; studies show background, gender, race, mental or physical condition
or financial status have no bearing.
Who are the perpetrators?
Seniors are often abused by someone they know. It could be someone in
a position of trust or authority, a caregiver or friend. In many cases
seniors are abused by their children or other relatives.
Signs of abuse include:
• Unexplained physical injury
• Depression
• Withdrawing from social life
• Passivity
• Nervousness, shame or fear
• Changes in hygiene and nutrition
• Lack of food, clothing and other necessities
• Failure to meet financial obligations
• Unusual banking withdrawals
Why elder abuse is sometimes called a “hidden
crime”?
Quite often seniors who are victims of elder abuse may not want to speak
out for fear of reprisals, shame, or because they don’t know where
to get help.
Reporting elder abuse:
Elder abuse should be reported to the local police or community service
agencies.
In the event of an emergency, contact 911 or a local emergency service
provider.
Where can elder abuse victims find help?
• Trusted family members, friends or neighbours
• Family physician
• Community Care Access Centres
• Community service agencies, or a seniors’ centre
• Lawyer or legal clinic
• Local police or OPP
Where can you get information?
The Ministry of the Attorney General’s Victim Support Line is a
provincewide, toll-free information line providing a range of services
to victims of crime. Callers can access the line at 1-888-579-2888
throughout Ontario and at 416-314-2447 in Toronto. By
speaking to an information counselor, callers can be directed to resources
in their own community. if they have been a victim of elder abuse or suspect
someone else they know has been a victim. The line is strictly for information,
not for reporting crimes to the police.
Ontario’s Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse:
• Launched in March 2002, the first of its kind for Canada
• $4.3 million over five years funded by the Ontario Victim Services
Secretariat, Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ontario Seniors’
Secretariat, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
• The strategy was developed with advice from seniors’ groups,
community agencies and the private sector
• Partners include: Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat, Ontario
Victim Services Secretariat, and the Ontario Network for the Prevention
of Elder Abuse
• Key elements: coordinating community services to help abused seniors,
training for front-line staff, public education and awareness
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Contact:
Peter Taylor, Communications Branch, (416) 212-3787
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