Advocacy - Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario

Position Statements

Press Release : Historic decision on the human rights of older persons: Governments decide to start drafting an international convention

On 3 April, UN Member States in the Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted a landmark resolution to create a new intergovernmental working group to draft an international legally binding instrument (UN convention) on the human rights of older persons. This milestone is the culmination of many years of advocacy and campaigning by older persons, civil society and other advocates around the world, including Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario.

Download here

EAPO Federal Election Communique – March 2025

Older Canadians Demand Effective Leadership to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation

1 in 10 Seniors Experience Abuse Canada Must Act Now

National studies show that 1 in 10 seniors experience some form of abuse each year. Financial abuse and exploitation are economic and social threats to our communities, our economy, and our country, but it is older Canadians that are disproportionately vulnerable to these threats. They strip older Canadians of their financial security, undermining their health and independence, and forcing increased reliance on public services. Abuse against older adults is a hidden crisis that affects all Canadians.

Download here

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario – 2024 Impact Report at-a-Glance

This infographic highlights Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario’s key achievements in 2024. EAPO delivered 251 educational forums reaching over 6,500 attendees, hosted 36 webinars with ASL interpretation, and engaged over 43,000 participants across 2,296 events.

EAPO continues to lead provincial conversations on elder abuse prevention, human rights, and ageism through its programs, partnerships, and advocacy work.

Download the Report here

Ontario Votes – Provincial Election – February 27th, 2025

Communique : COUNT SENIORS IN: A SAFER ONTARIO FOR OLDER ADULTS Ontario Election: EAPO Calls for Action to Protect Seniors from Crime and Abuse

Like many community and system partners working in this important space, we have an opportunity to positively impact the quality of life of Ontario seniors going forward. We invite you to learn more and help us advocate for seniors’ issues that matter, so they are healthy and safeguarded from abuse and harm.

Read Communique here : EN

Download the pdf here

Advocating for the Rights of Older Persons

Report on Violence, Abuse and Neglect of Older Persons

International Longevity Centre Canada, Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Elder Abuse Ontario have released the Report on Violence, Abuse and Neglect of Older Persons. Input into the Report of the UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights By Older Persons To the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council.

Download the Report in: English

Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA)

The Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA) is a nation-wide social change movement to combat ageism against older people while protecting and strengthening their human rights.

Read the Vision, Strategies and CCAA Governing Principles here: EN | FR

Download the pdf here | ici

Public Statement: More Beds, Better Care Act 2022 (Bill 7)

The Board of Directors of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO), in accordance with our mission to create an Ontario free of abuse for all seniors, expresses its grave concern that the More Beds, Better Care Act, as currently framed, creates increased risk for abuse and neglect of vulnerable older adults.

Download Statement: English

COVID-19 pandemic proves fertile territory for burgeoning elder abuse

Toronto Star, April 28th, 2020

Elder abuse, a silent scourge in normal times, has jumped dramatically under the shadow of the coronavirus. Marta Hajek is executive director of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, which operates the Seniors Safety Line and publishes a resource sheet “tool kit’’ on its website. The safety line has fielded an unprecedented number of desperation entreaties in recent weeks, such that its operators can’t even deal with all the calls. Where there were maybe 800 calls in a “normal” month, there are now that many within a few days.