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Why do so few older adults report Elder Abuse?
There are often several reasons:
Many older adults…
- may not understand the protection of Human Rights
- may not recognize the signs, that Elder Abuse is occurring
- may fear a worse situation by disclosing the abuse
- may be unaware of the options available to them
All older adults deserve to feel safe and protected
What can abused older adults do?
Follow these steps:
- Know your Rights
- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects everyone, including older adults.
- It is never acceptable to abuse anyone.
- The abused person should understand that someone in a position of power is taking advantage of them….and they have the right to stop the abuse.
- Know the signs of Elder Abuse
- All abuse is harmful and reduces ones sense of safety and self-confidence.
- Recognize the 4 types of Elder Abuse situations…physical abuse…emotional abuse….financial abuse…. and neglect.
- More than one kind of abuse can occur at a time.
- Abuse many happen in any place and within any community group.
- Overcome your fears
- It is not the abused person’s fault that they are being abused.
- The abused person should not feel shame, embarrassment or be fearful.
- Abusive relationships are not easy to overcome, but with support it is possible to achieve.
- Focus on the benefit of protecting the abused older adult from further harm.
- Understand your options for getting help
- Tell someone you trust when you witness or experience something that is not right.
- Tell a trusted family member, friend, a reliable community resource*, doctor, a health-care professional, social worker, community care-agency, religious leader, police, legal services, supportive senior’s network resource, senior’s safety line.
Gain control through knowledge and support
Why do some professionals or the public not report Elder Abuse?
There are often several faulty reasons:
- not respecting older adults
- not recognizing that abuse is occurring
- not recognizing the harm of continued elder abuse
- not recognizing the vulnerability of many older adults
- not feeling comfortable to get involved
- not knowing that something can be done
- believing that confidentiality may be broken
- concerns about breaking a good relationship
- believing that reporting will worsen the situation
- not knowing how to deal with the situation
- not knowing that there are many available resources and options
- not knowing who to tell
- not knowing about rules for reporting elder abuse
- not having permission by the older adult, to report abuse
- not realizing that some types of abuse are crimes
Raising awareness and education changes faulty attitudes
If I suspect an older adult is being abused, can I do anything to help?
Yes! Doing something is always helpful:
- everyone has a responsibility to do something helpful
- your help might be the first offered to the older adult
- always respect the older adults rights
- if you believe the older adult is in serious danger, contact police
- reassure the older adult that they are cared for
- become informed about elder abuse resources* and options
- support the older adult in reaching out for help
- contact a reliable community resource*, such as a trusted family member, friend, doctor, a health-care professional, social worker, community care-agency, religious leader, police, legal services, supportive senior’s network resource, Seniors Safety Line.
- stay in contact with the older adult
Take one step towards making a difference
When is it necessary to report?
Reporting is mandatory (legislated law) WHENEVER abuse or neglect is alleged, suspected or witnessed, and
- the older adult lives in Long-term Care.
- the older adult lives in a Retirement Home.
In Long-term Care and Retirement Homes, ALL Regulated Health Professionals MUST report any alleged, suspected or witnessed abuse, even when the information is confidential. In some cases, reporting abuse, might be required as a condition of employment duties or a service contract
Note:…If the abused older adult resides in their own home or in any other setting, the law does not require anyone to report the abuse.
Although there is no mandatory reporting in the community, if there is any possibility of immediate danger the police should be notified. If you suspect elder abuse but the senior is not at risk of imminent harm, speak to that person about how they would like to be supported. It is necessary to remember to respect the rights of older persons who may choose to accept or reject help. If they are not ready to address the situation, offer your personal support until they are ready to take action.
If a senior is not mentally competent, the abuse should be reported to the police or the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee to further investigate.
Click here to find out who/where to report abuse.
Reporting abuse could stop the abuse
I think my Mom is being abused and I don’t know how to ask her about it?
It can be very difficult and emotional to start this conversation with your parent.
Try to talk to your mom when there is a time that you can be alone without interruptions. Make sure your mom know it is not her fault and she is not alone. Approach the situation with care and concern without using judgemental language or jumping to conclusions. Talk about what you have seen and heard. Listen carefully to what she says and let them know you are there to support them and to help. Reassure them that you will respect their confidence and ask them what they would like to do about the abuse.
“Starting the Conversation” is a resource that can assist when asking someone about abuse. To find available help in your area, please use the Directory of Programs and services.
I am being abused by a family member and I want to tell my daughter but I feel ashamed and don’t know how to start.
It is hard to tell someone that you are being abused as this can raise painful memories and hurtful feelings.
You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. By speaking with someone you trust to describe what is happening can help you explore options and decide how to resolve the problem. There are also agencies that can help talk about options and your legal rights.
Many useful tips can be found in “Starting that Conversation – Telling Someone“