GBV among Older Adults: Supportive Interventions “Aim Study”
In recognition of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, EAPO hosted a Virtual Learning Series to transform conversations on how we support older adults and unleash the power of agencies to break down walls for building a more robust community response to elder abuse. The Series is supported by the Department of Justice Canada.
Session 3 of the Learning Series, featured Lori Weeks, Phd, Professor, School of Nursing Program Coordinator, PhD in Health (interim) Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University. She addressed, The AIM Study: Supporting Women in Midlife and Older who Experienced Intimate Partner Violence.
Dr. Weeks providedan overview of current knowledge about the needs of women in midlife and older who experience intimate partner knowledge. She shared information about the development and implementation of the AIM Study including the content of the AIM program developed to support women in midlife and older and training community-based researchers to deliver the AIM program.
Presenter :
Lori Weeks, Phd, Professor, School of Nursing Program Coordinator, PhD in Health (interim) Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University
[email protected]
902-494-7114
Dr. Lori Weeks – Download Power Point
Resources:
The AIM Study
The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research is adapting and evaluating a 13-week advocacy intervention for women in midlife and older who experience intimate partner violence.The project will reach up to 60 older women in three Maritime provinces- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
The project involves trained community-based researchers providing a tailored virtual individual intervention to women through a program that assists in the development of a safety plan adapted for older women; providing information about cycles of violence, community, and legal resources; and developing goals and strategies for the future. There is also a weekly virtual check in for 12 weeks to provide social support and further assistance. Cathy Holtmann (University of New Brunswick) and Lori Weeks (Dalhousie University) are the co-lead investigators of this project.
Government of Canada Supports Project to Prevent and Address Abuse in the Atlantic Region
Government of Canada News release – January 19, 2023, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Public Health Agency of Canada
Funding will support those who have experienced, are experiencing, or are at-risk of experiencing violence.
What is Violence Against Older Women? E-Learning Module
developed by Woman Act, the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto
Safety Planning for Older Adults Keeping Safe in Unhealthy Relationships: Toolkit for Service Providers
Develped by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
Safety Planning with Older Women Experiencing Violence : E-Learning Module
developed by Woman Act, the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto.
Digital Safety Strategies
How to plan for your safety if you are in an abusive relationship
From Public Health Agency of Canada
Safety Net Project
Exploring technology safety in the context of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and violence against women.
Survivors’ Guide to Phones: Increasing privacy & responding to abuse
Why Survivors Should Set Goals for the Future – Think long-term when you’re escaping violence
https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/after-abuse/why-survivors-should-set-goals-for-the-future
Responding to the Needs of Older Women who Experience Intimate Partner Violence: The RESPOND Study 2020
https://dalspace.library.dal.ca//handle/10222/80036
Links to Services and Programs
Find listing of crisis lines and services in each province or territory for people experiencing any type of family violence.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html#a1
National Resources
Shelters
Sheltersafe.ca: Provides information and a clickable map to help connect women and their children across Canada with the nearest shelter for safety and support.
For Indigenous People
Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line: Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat.
Services are available:
- to all Indigenous people across Canada who need immediate emotional support, crisis intervention or referrals to community-based services
- experienced and culturally sensitive help line counsellors can help if you want to talk in English and French and, on request, in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut
For Older Adults
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA): CNPEA’s web site features information and links to resources to get help if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or neglect as an older adult.
Legal help
For information about the laws relating to family violence and the kind of help that is available, please visit the Department of Justice Canada’s Get help with family violence web page.
The Essential Guide to Writing SMART Goals
https://www.smartsheet.com/blog/essential-guide-writing-smart-goals