Ontario Marks Elder Abuse Awareness Day To Shine A Light On A Hidden Crime

News Release

October 19, 2005

ONTARIO MARKS ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY TO SHINE A LIGHT ON A HIDDEN CRIME

TORONTO – The Ontario government is marking Elder Abuse Awareness Day today to help raise awareness about this hidden crime said Jim Bradley, Minister Responsible for Seniors.

“This day is meant to shine a light on what is often referred to as a ‘hidden crime’,” said Bradley. “I encourage both young and old to turn out to one of the candlelight vigils or other awareness raising events being held across the province to help spread the word that there is no place in Ontario for elder abuse.”

Elder abuse can take a variety of forms: neglect, as well as physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse. Statistics show that elder abuse is often perpetrated by someone in a position of trust or authority. In the case of financial abuse, family members, including children, or close relatives, are often the abusers. In some cases it can be a caregiver, close friend or a neighbour.

There are several signs that point to elder abuse: unexplained physical injury, withdrawal from social contact, poor hygiene and nutrition, and unusual banking withdrawals. Elder abuse is often not reported by the victim, for fear of consequences or reprisal, or a feeling of shame.

“In order to shed light on this ‘hidden crime’ we are asking communities to conduct candlelight vigils and other awareness-raising activities to remember victims of elder abuse, and to encourage those who may know a victim of elder abuse to report the crime,” Bradley said. “Preventing elder abuse is part of Ontario’s commitment to seniors.”

- 30 -

Contacts:
David Oved, Minister’s Office , (416) 314-1400
Peter Taylor, Communications Branch, (416) 314-212-3787

Archives

Photo Gallery

News Release