What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is violence, mistreatment or neglect towards seniors. It is often defined as any act or lack of action within a relationship, where there is an expectation of trust that harms a senior and causes them distress, risks their health or welfare by taking advantage of their vulnerability based on their age. The individual who chooses to be abusive, either limits or takes control over the rights and freedoms of the senior. The abuse often comes from individuals in situations of power or trust (spouse, children, other family members, caregivers, service providers). Elder abuse can take many forms, including neglect, physical, psychological or financial abuse, violation of rights, and abandonment.

According to Statistics Canada:

  • 8-10% of older adults experience abuse.
  • Over 200,000 older adults (65+) living in Ontario have experienced or are experiencing elder abuse. This is projected to increase as Canada’s older adult population increases.
  • Elder abuse can lead to long-term physical and psychological problems, including heart attack, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and isolation.
  • In 2019, there were 14,156 seniors (65+) who were victims of police-reported violent crime in Canada. Of these victims, one-third (32%) were victimized by their child (34%), spouse (26%), or sibling (12%).
  • According to police records, two-thirds (67%) of senior men who were victims of homicide were killed by a non-family member (friend, acquaintance or stranger), while two-thirds (67%) of senior women were killed by an intimate partner or family member.
  • Between 2008 and 2018, a total of 198 older adults were killed by a family member, women accounting for 62% (123 victims) of all senior victims of family-related homicide.
  • Similar to family violence in general, women were overrepresented as victims of family violence against seniors (58%).

These statistics are likely an underrepresentation due to limited data collected and underreported cases. Older adults may not report their victimization to police due to privacy concerns, having a dependency on the abuser, fear of retaliation or institutionalization, and an inability to report due to cognitive or physical declines.

If you are experiencing violence, Nova Vita is here to help. Our Crisis and Support Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To connect with a crisis counsellor:
Call/Text 519-752-4357
Online Chat Service click here

Examples of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is not just physical abuse. Other forms of abuse include psychological, financial, sexual and neglect. Approximately 8% – 10% of seniors experience some form of elder abuse each year in Canada. Some examples of elder abuse may include but are not limited to:

  • Demands/pressure to sign legal documents that they do not fully understand
  • Misusing a senior’s property and/or funds
  • Not considering the individuals wishes. Removal of decision-making powers
  • Threats of institutionalization – “Do what I say or I’ll put you in a home”
  • Treating a senior like a child
  • Improper use of medication; over/under medicating
  • Not providing food or liquids, proper clothing or hygiene

There are many different types of abuse. To learn more about the different types, including signs and examples, visit our What Is Abuse page.

Warning Signs

The abuse of older adults is everyone’s business. By being knowledgeable about elder abuse you can help prevent it, recognize the signs, and take steps to intervene safely. Warning signs of a senior being abused can include, but are not limited to:

  • Changes in mood (depression, fear, anxiety or detachment)
  • Changes in behaviour (social withdrawal)
  • Physical harm (unexplained injuries)
  • Neglect (lack of hygiene, food, clothing)
  • Failure to meet financial obligations or unusual bank withdrawals
  • Changes in living arrangements (people moving in or being forced out)
  • Fearfulness; being nervous around caregiver or other persons

Supporting Seniors Experiencing Violence

If an older adult tells you that they’re being abused:

  • Be patient – listen carefully and don’t jump to conclusions
  • Believe them – do not question what they are telling you. You may be the very first person who has ever been entrusted with this information. It may be hard to understand what is going on, especially if the individual choosing to be abusive is a nice person to you or someone you know
  • Do not judge them – do not express pity or tell them what to do. Respect their decisions even when you don`t agree. Tell them you care about them and offer them a level of support that you feel comfortable providing and know that you can provide on an ongoing basis. Do not promise them things you know you cannot do or are not comfortable doing
  • Understand that making efforts to change an abusive relationship is extremely difficult – a person who is being abused can be very afraid and not certain what to do. It can take a very long time for people to decide to make a change in their lives, to reach out for help or to even talk about their situation
  • Do not deny what is going on – if you choose to deny what is going on or not to listen to a person, this will serve to isolate the person who is experiencing abuse even further
  • Do not confront the perpetrator yourself – this could put you and/or the person who is experiencing abuse in trouble
  • Educate yourself on resources available – learn about safety planning, visit our Community Resources page, read the Refrigerator Door, or connect with Nova Vita’s 24 hour Crisis & Support line (519-752-HELP) to ask questions.
  • Encourage them to seek help – offer to help them find the right place to turn to and local resources, if this is something you are prepared and able to do

For more information on how to support someone who may be experiencing abuse, remember BLOSSOM (Believe, Listen, Options, Support, Safety Plan, Offer Resources, Maintain Respect). Learn more at novavita.org/how-to-support-someone.

Local & National Resources for Seniors

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