Elder Abuse
| We're Asking Ottawa True or False: All seniors homes are the same and are governed by the Province. The Answer: False. What most seniors and family members do not realize is that only long-term care homes are provincially regulated; retirement homes are not. |
Elder Abuse is a contemporary issue that, given the projected demographics, is expected to intensify over the coming years. It is anticipated that by the year 2031, one in four people living in Ottawa will be over 65 years old, with the largest cohort of this demographic being aged between 79 and 84 years.
Find out more:
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is any act or gesture that harms or threatens to harm an older person (65 or older). It includes physical, sexual, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect.
What does the Ottawa Police Elder Abuse Section do?
The Elder Abuse Section investigates all allegations of elder abuse where there is a relationship of trust/dependence between the victim and their abuser (cases of domestic violence are investigated by the Partner Assault Section). The Elder Abuse Section also works closely with front line workers to educate them and the public to help raise awareness of elder abuse and support for seniors
Why does it happen? By whom, to whom?
Elder abuse is the result of an individual having power and/or control over a senior, and the individual uses such power for their own interests.
Abusers are often family members who are dependant on the senior for money or shelter. Abusers may have financial or addiction issues, experience chronic unemployment, and may possibly have mental health problems.
Most victims are mentally competent and capable of making decisions on their own.