1. This presentation is inspired by the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, by Quebec Government Website and by CLAVA’s and DIRA’s material.

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: What is elder abuse? How to recognize abuse? Why is abuse kept secret and why is it important to break silence? What are the vulnerability factors? How to intervene? What are the resources available?

3. ABUSE OF OLDER ADULTS, WHAT IS IT? Any action, or lack of appropriate action, by a person in a position of trust which causes harm to an older person. World Health Organization, 2002

4. INTERESTING FACTS

5. WHO COMMITS ABUSE? Ministère de la Sécurité publique, Québec, 2007.

6. TYPES OF ABUSE

7. PHYSICAL ABUSE Physical abuse can be: Pushing, shaking, biting, hitting. Restraining or confining a person. Under or over medicating. Signs can be: Unexplained injuries such as fractures, bruises, cuts. Fear, anxiety, anger.

8. SEXUAL ABUSE Physical abuse can be: Sexual harassment, intercourse without consent. Intimately touching a senior. Exhibitionism. Signs can be: Pain in the genital area. Sudden and exaggerated need of privacy.

9. PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE Psychological abuse can be: Insulting, threatening, humiliating, ignoring. Treating the person like a child. Isolating from friends, family or activities. Signs can be: Anxiety, fear, shame Depression. Isolation.

10. FINANCIAL ABUSE OR FRAUD Financial abuse can be: Misusing/stealing a senior's property or money. Cashing a person's cheques without authorization. Signs can be: Excessive difference between standard of living and incomes. Delinquent account.

11. NEGLECT Neglect can be: Withholding care or medical attention. Not providing food, liquid, proper clothing or proper hygiene. Signs can be: Substandard housing, malnutrition, lack of proper clothing. Irregular medical follow-up.

12. VIOLATION OF RIGHTS Violation can be: Denying a person privacy/intimacy. Restricting a person’s freedom Withholding information. Signs can be: Incapacity to chose one’s living environment, to receive visitors, to express oneself. Disrespect of a person’s intimate and private life.

13. WHY IS ABUSE KEPT SECRET? Fear more abuse or retaliation, to be abandoned, to be place in residence, the judgement of others. Feel humiliated and ashamed. Worry about what will happen to them and/or the abuser. Blame themselves for the abuse. Do not know they are victims of abuse. Difficulty of communication because of physical, cognitive or linguistic limitations.

14. WHY DO WE HAVE TO BREAK SILENCE? Violence does not stop alone If you are a victim, you need help It you witness abuse, offer your help Prevent the deterioration of a situation. Prevent others to experience abuse.

15. CONSEQUENCES OF ELDER ABUSE Consequences of elder abuse are significant: Isolation, fear, anxiety, loss of confidence, physical injuries, depression, deterioration of heath, and even early death. Seniors have the right to be respected and to live in security.

16. VULNERABILITY FACTORS: Isolation History of family violence Physical or cognitive loss Caregivers are exhausted, not trained enough or unwilling to take care of the older person. PROTECTION: Good social network To remain active

17. HOW TO RESPOND IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE? Break silence and ask questions. Listen to the person carefully and make that person feels they are not alone. Tell the older person it is not their fault. Explain that there is help available and refers them to the right resource. Support the right of the older person to make their own decision at their own pace. Respect their privacy / confidentiality.

18. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Is the older person in imminent danger of physical or psychological injury? Is the older person mentally apt ? How can family links (if it is possible) be maintained and enhanced? Can help be provided to the abuser?

19. RESOURCES Elder Abuse Helpline Tel.: 1 888 489-ABUS (2287) CSSS de Laval | Accueil 1re ligne Tél. : 450 627-2530 poste 64922 Police Emergency Tél. : 911 DIRA-Laval Tél. : 450 681-8813 Info-Aidant Tel: 1 855 852-7784