Addressing Elder Abuse

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Elder Abuse – It’s Time to Face the Reality

Elder Abuse - It’s Time to Face the Reality

From November 21 to December 11, 2011, the Government of Canada is taking action to increase awareness of elder abuse in the country through its Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign.

Further information and television ads.

Facts on Elder Abuse

This fact sheet provides information on elder abuse including victims, abusers, signs of elder abuse, what to do if you are being abused and who to call if you suspect a senior is being abused.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized annually on June 15, when organizations from around the world, including governments, community agencies, educational institutions and professionals in the field of aging hold events to raise awareness of elder abuse.

Information bulletins:

Past Information bulletins:

Past events:

Materials and Resources

Face it - June 15

The Government of Alberta is raising awareness of elder abuse and how to prevent it by partnering with the External site image Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network and by working with its federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to develop and distribute information about the abuse of older adults.

What Every Older Canadian Should Know series of eight fact sheets developed to encourage older Canadians to make informed decisions about their financial well-being, and to protect themselves from financial abuse (produced for the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors).
What every older Canadian should know about:

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Fact Sheets

(produced for the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors):

The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, with support from the Government of Alberta and stakeholder partners across the province, developed Link to PDF Document Abuse of Older Adults: Guidelines For Developing Coordinated Community Response Models (2 MB) to help communities design or enhance community responses to the abuse of older adults.

A selection of resources are available in small quantities and can be mailed to you by contacting Alberta Supports by phone:
Toll‑free anywhere in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992
In Edmonton: 780-644-9992
Fax: 780-422-8762

Help for Victims of Crime

The Criminal Code of Canada sets out a variety of criminal offences that can occur in the context of elder abuse. These include offences such as physical or sexual assault; offences against the rights of property, such as property theft, forgery and extortion; and other offences such as breach of trust and fraud. While no one ever expects to be a victim of crime, it is important to know there is help available to you. If you have been a victim of crime, your first step is to call the police. They will investigate the crime and refer you to the Victim Services Unit for assistance. Victim Services Units are staffed with trained, caring people who offer information, assistance and support to victims during the police investigation and throughout the criminal justice process. For more information contact your local police or call 780-427-3460 (toll-free by first dialing 310-0000) or visit the website at www.victims.alberta.ca.

Crime Prevention

In Alberta and across Canada, seniors are less likely to report themselves as victims of crime than younger age groups. Personal safety and crime prevention tips apply to all regardless of age. However, there are some things seniors can do to further reduce their likelihood of being victimized. More information:

Celebrating Seniors

Older Canadians have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to share. Each day, their contributions make a real difference to Canada's society and economy.

Incorrect assumptions about aging and older persons can lead to a form of discrimination called ageism. Ageism can perpetuate negative stereotypes that may lead to insensitive responses to the needs and wishes of older persons, which can in turn lead to abuse or neglect.
In an effort to promote positive images of aging, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (F/P/T) Ministers Responsible for Seniors have worked together to develop profiles of exemplary Canadian seniors. Celebrating Seniors demonstrate the valuable achievements and contributions that Canada's seniors make to their communities, their families and Canadian society at large.

More information

 

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