October 19 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Ontario

By Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister Responsible for Seniors

Do you have a friend who seems withdrawn lately, has unexplained physical injuries, seems depressed or fearful around certain people? These symptoms may be signs of a health condition – or they could be signs of elder abuse.

Other signs of abuse can include changes in eating or grooming habits, unusual bank withdrawals or financial difficulties, or lack of basic necessities like food or clothing.

Like all other forms of abuse in our society, elder abuse is unacceptable.

Why does elder abuse happen – and who is responsible?

Contrary to what some people think, most victims of elder abuse are mentally competent, and do not require constant care. Abuse can occur in any relationship where seniors have an expectation of trust or where someone is in a position of authority or power. Abuse and neglect can take place in the home, in a residential care setting or in the community.

Abusers in most cases are, unfortunately, family members, particularly adult children, spouses or grandchildren. They can also be friends, neighbours, or care providers.

While it is estimated that between four and 10 per cent of Ontario’s seniors have experienced some form of abuse, only a small percentage of these cases come to the attention of community agencies. Older women are the victims in almost two-thirds of reported cases of abuse or neglect.

Many seniors keep silent about their abuse because they fear what will happen to them, to their abuser. They worry about what their family, friends and neighbours will think.

Elder abuse can consist of making decisions about an older adult’s care or finances without the person’s consent, or abuse can be physical or emotional.

If you are being abused or know someone who is, please seek help.

If you know someone who needs help immediately, or if you think a crime has been committed, call 911, or your local police department. You can learn about or contact other resources in your community by calling some of the following numbers:

Ministry of the Attorney General’s Victim Support Line 1-888-579-2888 (toll-free)
Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse - 416-978-1716
Seniors’ InfoLine - 1-888-910-1999 (toll-free) or in Toronto 416-314-7511
Long-Term Care ACTION Line – 1-866-434-0144
Retirement Home Complaints Response and Information Service – 1-800-361-7254
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly - 416-598-2656

To find out more information about elder abuse, visit the following websites:

Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat – www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/seniors/index.html
Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse – www.onpea.org
National Clearinghouse on Family Violence – www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/bilingual.htm.