What is Elder Abuse?
What if You’re a Victim?
•
•
Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical,
psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can
also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
•
Elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack
of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where
there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to
an older person”.
Break the silence... Talk to someone!
Elder Abuse Includes:
Physical Abuse
Pushing, slapping, kicking, hitting, over-medicating or the
threat of physical force
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
Name calling, bullying, social isolation or treating the older
adult “like a child”
Financial Abuse
Withholding or stealing money, improper use of the older
adult’s money, selling of possessions
Sexual Abuse
Unwanted forms of sexual contact, inappropriate comments
Neglect
Denial of necessary care including nutrition, shelter, clothing or
medical needs
Possible Indicators of Abuse:
Signs of Physical Abuse
Unexplained physical injuries, cuts, bruises, burns, or bites
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Depression, fear, anxiety, withdrawn
Signs of Financial Abuse
Unusual bank withdrawals, failure to meet financial obligations,
personal belongings are missing, sudden change in will
Signs of Neglect
Lack of food, clothing or other necessities, change/poor hygiene
and nutrition, untreated bed sores
•
•
Ifyou are in immediate danger leave the situation.
Go to a safe place immediately, such as a neighbour, friend
or relative. Go into a business or ask to be taken to a shelter.
If you are unable to leave your home, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Call the police.
Confideinsomeoneyoutrust.Talk to someone you
trust about what is happening: friend or family member;
public health nurse; social worker; home care worker;
someone at your place of worship or a doctor.
Keeparecord.Write down what is happening to you;
keep a daily record. This will help you to document the abuse
and help others assist you if you need it.
DON’TBLAMEYOURSELF.Know that it is not your fault
and help is available. Please ask for help because you do not
deserve to be abused. Many groups in your community want
to help you to protect your rights, safety and your dignity.
What You Need to Know
about Frauds/Scams...
Fraud is the number one crime against seniors.
Frauds may include mail fraud, consumer fraud,
home improvement offers and door to door sales.
STOP
ABUSE
RESTORE
RESPECT
If an offer sounds too good to be true, contact the
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
www.antifraudcentre.ca
If you or someone
you know has
been abused or is
experiencing abuse,
you are not alone;
help is available.
Elder Abuse is a crime and a hidden problem
that is generally not reported or talked about.
JULY 2011
• Help the older adult gain control over the abuse.
• Plan ahead, and learn about available resources.
• Respect confidentiality.
• Believe the older adult has an issue.
Listen to what they are saying; be non-judgemental
How to Help
Abuse happens when older adults are not valued as truly
worthy human beings. This form of discrimination is called
ageism. We must never allow this to happen in our family,
in our community, and in our society.
What is Ageism?
Abusers can also include neighbours, paid care providers,
landlords and staff, or any individual in a position of
power, trust, or authority.
Elder abuse is often committed by someone known to
the victim, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver.
Who are the Abusers?
Older Adults who live alone or with a family member
or with a caregiver, either in their own home, shared
accommodation, long term care facility or other institution
have the potential to be victims of elder abuse.
Any Older Adult can be a victim.
Who are Victims of
Elder Abuse?
Seniors Safety Line - 24 Hour Service
1-866-299-1011
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
1-416-598-2656
www.advocacycentreelderly.org
Ministry of Government Services
1-800-268-1142
www.mgs.gov.on.ca
Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat
1-888-910-1999
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca
Important Numbers
Trans Union Canada
1-800-663-9980
www.tuc.ca
Equifax Canada
1-800-465-7166
www.equifax.ca
Credit Checks
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
1-888-495-8501
www.antifraudcentre.ca
Seniors Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
www.ontariocrimestoppers.com
OPP Crime Prevention Section
1-705-329-7680
www.opp.ca
Police Contacts
If you suspect elder abuse, contact
your local police at 1-888-310-1122
or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.
In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Help is Available
Elder Abuse is a crime and a hidden problem
that is generally not reported or talked about.
Abusers can also include neighbours, paid care providers,
landlords and staff, or any individual in a position of
power, trust, or authority.
Elder abuse is often committed by someone known to
the victim, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver.
Who are the Abusers?
Older Adults who live alone or with a family member
or with a caregiver, either in their own home, shared
accommodation, long term care facility or other institution
have the potential to be victims of elder abuse.
Any Older Adult can be a victim.
Who are Victims of
Elder Abuse?
Equifax Canada
1-800-465-7166
www.equifax.ca
Credit Checks
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
1-888-495-8501
www.antifraudcentre.ca
Seniors Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
www.ontariocrimestoppers.com
OPP Crime Prevention Section
1-705-329-7680
www.opp.ca
Police Contacts
If you suspect elder abuse, contact
your local police at 1-888-310-1122
or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.
In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Help is Available
Signs of Neglect
Lack of food, clothing or other necessities, change/poor hygiene
and nutrition, untreated bed sores
Trans Union Canada
1-800-663-9980
www.tuc.ca
Signs of Financial Abuse
Unusual bank withdrawals, failure to meet financial obligations,
personal belongings are missing, sudden change in will
What is Ageism?
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Depression, fear, anxiety, withdrawn
Important Numbers
Signs of Physical Abuse
Unexplained physical injuries, cuts, bruises, burns, or bites
If you or someone
you know has
been abused or is
experiencing abuse,
you are not alone;
help is available.
Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat
1-888-910-1999
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca
Possible Indicators of Abuse:
If an offer sounds too good to be true, contact the
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
www.antifraudcentre.ca
Abuse happens when older adults are not valued as truly
worthy human beings. This form of discrimination is called
ageism. We must never allow this to happen in our family,
in our community, and in our society.
Neglect
Denial of necessary care including nutrition, shelter, clothing or
medical needs
Fraud is the number one crime against seniors.
Frauds may include mail fraud, consumer fraud,
home improvement offers and door to door sales.
Ministry of Government Services
1-800-268-1142
www.mgs.gov.on.ca
Sexual Abuse
Unwanted forms of sexual contact, inappropriate comments
What You Need to Know
about Frauds/Scams...
How to Help
Financial Abuse
Withholding or stealing money, improper use of the older
adult’s money, selling of possessions
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
1-416-598-2656
www.advocacycentreelderly.org
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
Name calling, bullying, social isolation or treating the older
adult “like a child”
STOP
ABUSE
RESTORE
RESPECT
• Believe the older adult has an issue.
Listen to what they are saying; be non-judgemental
Physical Abuse
Pushing, slapping, kicking, hitting, over-medicating or the
threat of physical force
• Respect confidentiality.
Elder Abuse Includes:
Seniors Safety Line - 24 Hour Service
1-866-299-1011
Break the silence... Talk to someone!
• Ifyou are in immediate danger leave the situation.
Go to a safe place immediately, such as a neighbour, friend
or relative. Go into a business or ask to be taken to a shelter.
If you are unable to leave your home, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Call the police.
• Confideinsomeoneyoutrust.Talk to someone you
trust about what is happening: friend or family member;
public health nurse; social worker; home care worker;
someone at your place of worship or a doctor.
• Keeparecord.Write down what is happening to you;
keep a daily record. This will help you to document the abuse
and help others assist you if you need it.
• DON’TBLAMEYOURSELF.Know that it is not your fault
and help is available. Please ask for help because you do not
deserve to be abused. Many groups in your community want
to help you to protect your rights, safety and your dignity.
• Plan ahead, and learn about available resources.
Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical,
psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can
also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
What if You’re a Victim?
• Help the older adult gain control over the abuse.
Elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack
of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where
there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to
an older person”.
JULY 2011
What is Elder Abuse?