Disclosure and Reporting of Abuse Against Older Adults
Despite the escalating prevalence of abuse against older adults in Canada, which is estimated between 8% -10%, there is a low rate of disclosure and reporting, so cases of abuse are rarely detected. According to research, approximately 1 – 24 cases are reported to authorities.
As disclosing and reporting abuse are key to accessing appropriate services, understanding the barriers and facilitators of disclosure for older adults living in the community is imperative. This webinar shed light on why older adults do not seek help in cases of abuse through demonstrating three levels of barriers: individual, interpersonal, and systemic that impede on disclosures.
Based on research interviews with older adults with lived experience of abuse and service providers working directly with older adults in Alberta, the presenters provided a case study and highlight the key themes that emerged from their study:
(1) Barriers to disclosure and reporting of abuse;
(2) Facilitators to disclosure and reporting; and
(3) Key tensions between service providers’ and older adults’ perceptions of the disclosure and reporting process.
They also provided recommendations and action steps to increase awareness, promote disclosure, and improve services for older adults experiencing abuse.
SPEAKERS
Christine A. Walsh, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
Kerstin Roger, Phd, Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba
Presentation (Download)
EAPO Disclosureand Reporting Webinar Sept 25 2024
Resources:
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA)/
Réseau canadien pour la prévention du mauvais traitement des aînés
Links to supports to access help across Canada
https://www.cnpea.ca/en/what-is-elder-abuse/get-help
Contact:
Website: www.cnpea.ca
Email: [email protected]
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO)
Reporting overview in Ontario with phone and website links
https://eapon.ca/reporting/
Contact:
Website: www.eapon.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416-916-6728 Toll-Free : 1-833-916-6728
Accessing Help
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA)/ Réseau canadien pour la prévention du mauvais traitement des aînés
Links to supports to access help across Canada: https://www.cnpea.ca/en/what-is-elder-abuse/get-help
Contact:
Website: www.cnpea.ca
Email: [email protected]
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO)
Reporting overview in Ontario with phone and website links: https://eapon.ca/reporting/
Contact:
Website: www.eapon.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416-916-6728 Toll-Free : 1-833-916-6728
RESOURCES
CCEL Practical Guide to Elder Abuse And neglect law in Canada
https://ccelderlaw.ca/
Awareness Tool for the Wellness of Quebec First Nations Elders
https://cssspnql.com/en/produit/awareness-tool-for-the-wellness-of-quebec-first-nations-elders/
VIDEOS
Who should I tell? (Elder Abuse Awareness)
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults
The “Who should I tell?” video has been created by our research team to help create more awareness of the abuse of older adults. The abuse of older adults is a serious issue in Canada affecting up to 8.2% of older Canadians (55+) living in the community.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owKBINR16RA
This video has also been translated in the following languages: TAGALOG FRENCH GERMAN
EAPO and CNPEA produced an animated video on reporting in Ontario
Reporting Elder Abuse
When you are concerned about an older person’s safety, there are different ways to respond and report to situations: at home, in care facilities and when there is imminent danger. This animated vide, Reporting Elder Abuse reviews reporting options and resources, including mandatory reporting to authorities.
View here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_6EICLjOuw&t=1s
PROGRAMS
Sheltering Programs for Older Adults in Canada
https://www.cnpea.ca/en/tools/brochures-and-factsheets/1305-sheltering-programs-for-older-adults-in-canada
Shelter Safe
Find a shelter in Canada
Safe Suite in Manitoba for older people
https://www.aosupportservices.ca/
This Program provides temporary housing for individuals 55+, regardless of gender, who need a safe place to stay due to abuse or neglect. Clients are provided with furnished accommodations for up to 60 days at no cost. Registered Social Workers provide counselling services and practical assistance in accessing housing, financial and legal services.
https://www.aosupportservices.ca/our-three-pillars/safety-security/safe-suite/
Ontario Association for Family Mediation
www.oafm.on.ca
REPORTING IN ONTARIO
Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority
Mandatory Reporting of elder abuse in Retirement Homes.
www.rhra.ca
1-855-ASK-RHRA 1-855-275-7472
Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line
Mandatory Reporting of elder abuse in Long-term Care Homes.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/long-term-care-home-complaint-process
Toll-Free: 1-866-434-0144
The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., 7 days a week
Patient Ombudsman
If you have already contacted the home directly and the Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line (toll free at 1-866-434-0144) and were not able to reach a satisfactory resolution, you can contact the Patient Ombudsman:
www.patientombudsman.ca/Complaints/Make-a-complaint/Submit-Complaint
Toll-Free: 1-888-321-0339 by calling 1-888-321-0339
Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT)
Intervene only if the person is believed to be mentally incapable and is at-risk of harm or experiencing harm.
Website: www.ontario.ca/page/office-public-guardian-and-trustee
Investigation Unit
Tel: 416-327-6348
Toll-free: 1-844-640-3615
Toronto Regional Office
Tel: 416-314-2800
Toll-free: 1-800-366-0335
Ontario Health atHome,
A single organization coordinating local home and community care, long-term care placement and help finding services in the community.
https://ontariohealthathome.ca/contact/compliments-concerns/
Crime Stoppers
1-800‑222-8477
Police
Report to your local or provincial police
