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Elder Abuse

Silence is violence’s best friend. All victims of violence or of neglect must confide in a reliable person: their doctor, a resource person from the CLSC or a community agency, a friend.

Even if difficult to do, seeking help is important. A person who witnesses violent acts against an elder must not remain silent. They should contact their local CLSC for advice and help if necessary.

If the elder runs a serious risk or for emergency situations, contact the police by calling 911.

The following is a list of complementary resources that can help:

 

INFO ABUS toll free help line1 888 489-2287
INFO ABUS web siteLien
Association québécoise de défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretaités (AQDR)Lien
Le Réseau FADOQ (French only)Lien 
Le Centre d'assistance et d'accompagnement aux plaintes1 800 465-2433
La Commission des droits de la personneLien 
Research chair on mistreatment of older adultsLien 

 

Elder abuse, neglect and violence

Different types of abuse

Physical abuse translates into pain and injuries which are deliberately inflicted, for example, by making someone fall whose balance is already unstable. Included to the different types of physical abuse is the excessive use of physical restraints and of medication and sexual assault.

For their part, psychological and emotional abuse are manifested through verbal aggression, insults, and infantilisation. Isolation, the deprivation of human warmth, social relations and spirituality constitute other forms of psychological abuse.

Finally, the abuse most frequently reported is financial in nature. Specifically, it’s about theft, misappropriation of funds, fraudulent powers of attorney, forced sale of personal goods, refusal to reimburse loans, etc.

Who are the victims?

Victims can be men as much as women, the elderly in affluent environments as much as those from poorer ones. No one is safe from abuse!

 

What to do if you suspect that an elder is being abused?

  • Make sure to speak to the elder alone to verify what they think about the situation.
  • Take the time to listen and to refrain from passing judgement.
  • Tell the person that they do not deserve to be treated this way and that they are not responsible for what is happening. Encourage them to report the abuser and to file a complaint.
  • Suggest that they seek help from a professional (a psychologist, an intervener at the CLSC).
  • Speak to an intervener at Info-Social, the Aide Abus Aînés help line or your CLSC.

Do not trivialize abuse. The consequences for the victim can be serious.

  • Shame, humiliation, sadness, anger.
  • Fear, psychological distress.
  • Isolation, marginalisation.
  • Poverty, reduced quality of life.
  • Injuries, sickness, decline in overall health.
  • Depression, suicide, early death.

Documentation (visit our documentation centre)