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Overview
Elder abuse is a serious issue - it's estimated that nearly one in 10 Alberta seniors may be victims of some form of elder abuse.
Any senior can become a victim of elder abuse regardless of gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, income or education.
Get help
- Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused and is in immediate danger.
- Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818 (24-hour, toll-free in more than 170 languages).
- Additional helplines and supports.
- Resources and publications.
What is elder abuse?
Alberta's elder abuse prevention strategy updated the definition of elder abuse to include any intentional or reckless act or wilful and negligent disregard, occurring within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, directed at someone 65 years of age or older, that:
- causes physical, emotional or psychological harm
- involves the misappropriation or misuse of money or other personal possessions or personal or real property
- subjects an individual to non-consensual sexual contact, activity or behaviour
- fails to provide the necessities of life
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Common types of elder abuse
The most common types of elder abuse are:
- financial
- emotional
- physical
- sexual
- neglect
- medication
Victims commonly suffer more than one type of abuse at the same time. The most frequently identified and reported types of elder abuse in Canada are financial and emotional.
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Other factors
- Elder abuse is often committed by someone known to the victim who is in a position of power, trust or authority. Approximately 25% of crimes against seniors are committed by family members, usually a spouse or adult child.
- Elder abuse is often impacted by the mental and physical conditions of both the abuser and the victim. These factors interact in ways uniquely dependent on the individuals involved and the situation.
- Social isolation is one of several risk factors in elder abuse situations. A social isolation resource kit is available to help raise awareness and understanding of social isolation.
Elder Abuse Happens videos
Grace’s story
Signs of elder abuse
- confusion
- depression or anxiety
- unexplained injuries
- changes in hygiene
- seeming fearful around certain people
- fear or worry when talking about money
Elder abuse prevention strategy
A Collective Approach: Alberta’s Strategy for preventing and addressing elder abuse is a new 5-year strategy to guide how Albertans, nonprofit organizations, frontline workers, businesses and governments can work together to prevent and reduce elder abuse.
The new strategy updates Alberta's definition of elder abuse and includes goals and actions to make Alberta safer for seniors.
It outlines new approaches for recognizing and responding to financial abuse, increasing awareness of elder abuse, improving service provider training, enhancing data collection and program development, supporting community responses, and strengthening protective laws and policies.
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Elder abuse fact sheet
Contact
Connect with Seniors Strategies and Program Support:
Email: [email protected]
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