Elder Abuse is a contemporary issue that, given the projected demographics, is expected to intensify over the coming years. 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.
The Elder Abuse Section is staffed by specialized police officers who investigate all allegations of elder abuse (including vulnerable adults who are 18 years and over) 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). A vulnerable adult is any adult person who depends on others to meet everyday needs because he/she has a mental illness or developmental disability or requires long term or indefinite care due to age or medical condition. 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 within the City of Ottawa.
The Elder Abuse Section also works in partnership with the Ottawa Police Victim Support Unit (VSU) who provide information, crisis counseling and resources to vulnerable persons and victims of elder abuse. The VSU is staffed by crisis counselors who also triage the Ottawa Police Elder Abuse Information Line (613-236-1222, ext. 2400). The Elder Abuse Information Line is a non-emergency information line it is not managed by a police officer, but does provide support and information on available resources for victims of elder abuse as well as guidance on how to file a complaint of abuse against a vulnerable or elderly person to police.
The Elder Abuse Information Line is not a reporting line. For emergencies where the safety of a senior is in imminent risk, call 9-1-1.
The VSU can be reached at 613-236-1222, ext. 2223. If anonymity is a concern please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If you have an emergency situation, call 9-1-1. Also, Police have access to language services 24/7 and the Victim Crisis Unit, as well as other community partners have access to numerous resources that can assist members of marginalized communities.
Download our Elder Abuse information pamphlet:
| 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. | ||||
| Why does Elder Abuse happen? | ||||
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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. |
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| What are the different types of abuse? | ||||
Physical abusePhysical abuse (including sexual assault) is any act of violence causing or intending to cause bodily harm or physical discomfort. Signs to look for - unexplained injuries, unusual bruising and/or doctor shopping Psychological/Emotional abusePsychological/Emotional abuse is any action or comment instilling fear, emotional anguish or that diminishes self-esteem or dignity. Signs to look for - fear of certain individuals, abuser speaking for the senior or not giving the senior privacy when company visits Financial abuseFinancial abuse is any theft or exploitation of an individual's money, property or assets. It should be noted that, unless there is a relationship of trust/dependency between the victim and the abuser, all frauds and scams against seniors are investigated by the Ottawa Police Fraud Section. Signs to look for- overdue bills, unusual banking activity, mail missing, and seniors standard of living not in keeping with income or assets NeglectNeglect, either intentional or unintentional, is a lack of attention resulting in inadequate supervision and failure to provide the basic and essential needs required. Signs to look for - unhealthy living conditions and unkempt appearance. |
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| Why is Elder Abuse so rarely reported? | ||||
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Victims are often...
Family, friends, and service providers...
Cultural Factors
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| Privacy and Immunity | ||||
PrivacyThe following are some enabling provisions that permit the sharing of information with police under certain circumstances. As well, there is an immunity built into the same legislation. Please read the following; Personal Health Information Protection Act 2004, S. O 2004, c. 3, Sched. A; Disclosures related to risks40.(1) A health information custodian may disclose personal health information about an individual if the custodian believes on reasonable grounds that the disclosure is necessary for the purpose of eliminating or reducing a significant risk of serious bodily harm to a person or group of persons. 2004, c. 3, Sched. A, s. 40 (1). Immunity71.(1) No action or other proceeding for damages may be instituted against a health information custodian or any other person for,
**A "health information custodian" is defined as:
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| Resources | ||||
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Police have access to language services 24/7 and the VSU, as well as other community partners have access to numerous resources that can assist members of marginalized communities.
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