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Abuse Info
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Elder abuse is relatively well-documented. The Internet provides a large amount of information on the subject, and there are many brochures that help raise awareness within the population. In fact, a number of these documents have been put online and can be found in the section Tools – Links – Resources. Nonetheless, the more information that is shared, the more this reality will be unmasked and be transformed for the better. The following is a summary portrait of the situation in Quebec. |
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- Abuse: a definition
- Revealing statistics and facts
- Different types, different indicators
- General prevention advice
- Steps to take for a preliminary intervention
- « Am I at risk? » evaluation chart
Abuse: a definition
Mistreatment, abuse, violence, negligence… There are many words to describe the different levels of abuse, and just as many definitions. While the definitions provided on our home page set the tone, it is the definition of elder abuse provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) that is often used by stakeholders and referred to in documents on the subject.
« 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. »
Revealing statistics and facts
In Quebec, the numbers speak for themselves :
Between 10% to 15% of seniors have been victims of abuse. This amounts to close to 150 000 people. Of these, 80% were never reported or detected1
- 20% of women compared to 13% of men are victims of abuse by one of their children 2
- 75% of abused seniors know their abuser, and for a third of these it is a family member 3
- 70% of older victims are assaulted in a private setting 4
- 60% of abuses reported by the elderly are financial 5
- 80% of frauds committed by telephone target people aged 60 and up 6
- Close to half of elderly people who commit suicide are older than 65 years of age 7
1Source: Réseau québécois pour contrer les abus envers les aînés 2006
2Source: Statistics Canada 2001
3Source : Portrait de la violence et de la criminalité envers les personnes âgées au Québec 2003
4Source : Statistiques Canada 2001
5Source : Réseau québécois pour contrer les abus envers les aînés 2006
6Source : Réseau québécois pour contrer les abus envers les aînés 2006
7Source : Statistiques Canada 2001
Different types, different indicators
Abuse takes many forms and is often very subtle :
Physical abuse
This refers to the use of physical force causing bodily harm or injuries caused intentionally. The abuse can be physical or sexual, in the form of violent behaviour, or the withholding of basic elements to physical well-being.
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Psychological abuse
This refers to attacks against a person’s value as an individual. The abuse is found in attitudes and behaviours.
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Financial abuse
This refers to the misuse of an older person’s financial and material resources.
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Verbal abuse
This refers to anything that affects another person through words and the like.
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Neglect
Neglect consists of the intentional or unintentional failure to provide for the needs of an older adult by a caregiver, whether volunteer or otherwise.
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General prevention advice
- Be well organized and keep your personal possessions in order. Let your circle of friends and family know that you are keeping an eye on your things.
- Keep your money in the bank and not at home.
- Use direct deposit – have all of your income deposited directly into your bank account.
- Have a notary draw up a power of attorney in case you become incapacitated. This will ensure that your papers are in order and safe.
- Get into the habit of asserting yourself in a positive way and express your rights.
- When lending money, use cheques instead of cash so the money can be traced. Write out a reimbursement schedule.
- Make all decisions that concern you.
- Don’t make hasty decisions or be influenced or pressured by someone even if they seem nice. In case of doubt, take the time to consult with a competent individual that you trust. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Carefully read and make sure you understand any document before you sign it.
- Trust your instincts. Listen for any internal alarm bells. That little voice of yours is rarely wrong.
Steps to take for a preliminary intervention
- Offer to listen to the person so he or she can understand the abusive situation.
- Help the person consider the possible solutions.
- Provide information on available resources.
- Help define the steps the person is willing to take.
- Refer the person to the different resources required.
« Am I at risk? » evaluation chart
Are there certain situations in your daily life that lead you to believe you are a victim of abuse? Use the “Am I at risk?” evaluation chart to help you see clearly.