Respect aging Respect Aging: Preventing Violence against Older Persons 1. RECOGNITION 2. PREVENTION 3. INTERVENTION Violence Prevention Initiative

Respect aging In this session The Violence Prevention Continuum Intervention approaches and supportive legislation Barriers and risks in reporting Helpful resources Links to more information

Respect aging Recap Violence definition “Violence against older persons”

Respect aging Why not call it “elder abuse”? Abuse is only one part of the continuum of violence Ageist attitudes Aboriginal perspective

Respect aging Violence prevention principles Right to safe, secure environment Rooted in inequality Expressed through the “isms” Violence is a choice Violence is preventable Everyone’s responsibility

Respect aging INTERVENTION PRACTICESAPPROACHESTOOLSLEGISLATION GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Respect aging Violence Prevention Continuum 1. Short-Term & Emergency Relief Strategies 2. Capacity- Building Strategies 3. Systems Change Strategies

Respect aging Canadian intervention approaches and practices Adult protection legislation Advocacy Community response networks Consultation teams Counseling Continued…

Respect aging Canadian intervention approaches and practices Hotline Information and education Multi-disciplinary teams Peer support and advocacy Shelters, safe houses

Respect aging It takes a community… Violence against older persons requires coordination and collaboration among agencies, community groups, governments and individuals.

Respect aging Legislative interventions

Respect aging Federal laws The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms The Criminal Code of Canada

Respect aging Provincial laws Human Rights Act Mental Health Care & Treatment Act Family Violence Prevention Act Advanced Health Care Directives Act Enduring Powers of Attorney Act

Respect aging Provincial laws An Act Respecting the Protection of Adults Adult Protection Act replaces the Neglected Adults Welfare Act

Respect aging Provincial services Victim Services Legal Aid Peace Bond Emergency Protection Order

Respect aging FACT: Most of the violence that is committed against older persons in Canada does not get reported.

Respect aging Barriers to reporting: Barriers faced by older persons

Respect aging Fear of… more violence loss of affection loss of connection “what will happen to me”? “what will happen to him/her?” Barriers faced by older persons

Respect aging Shame, humiliation Self-blame Being seen as weak Concerns about family “honour” More barriers to reporting

Respect aging Past negative experience Exposure to family violence Poverty Medication issues Communication challenges Unaware of human rights More barriers to reporting

Respect aging Cultural and language barriers Fear of deportation Dependency on perpetrator Isolation Limited English skills Limited access to translators Cultural perceptions of violence Mistrust of authority Cultural values on disclosure

Respect aging Isolation as a barrier Geographical isolation Limited community resources No privacy

Respect aging Barriers to reporting: Barriers faced by helpers and witnesses

Respect aging Lack of knowledge, education and training Time Fear Perception of lack of power Barriers faced by helpers and witnesses

Respect aging Reducing the Barriers: the “3 A’s” 1. ACTIVE listening and reassurance 2. ASK what the older person wants 3. ACT according to the older person’s wishes

Respect aging 1. ACTIVE listening & reassurance Create a safe environment Listen carefully Provide as much time as needed Reassure – not to blame It’s not their fault!

Respect aging 2. ASK what the older person wants “What do you want to do?” Help with informed decisions Provide info on: Options Steps in making a report Support, resources

Respect aging 3. ACT according to the older person’s wishes Act on wishes Follow up Avoid judgments Provide support

Respect aging Helpful Resources 24-hour crisis lines Provincial resources, including: Key contacts in regional health authorities Director of Neglected Adults Violence Prevention Initiative Regional resources Organized according to regions served by VPI Regional Coordinating Committees against Violence National resources Federal government

Respect aging Helpful for Whom? Service provider to older victims of violence An older person who is a victim of violence An older person at risk of violence A perpetrator of violence Someone with the potential to become violent Anybody concerned about someone in any of the above situations

Respect aging My Important Contacts A tool for those who may be at risk Emergency Responders and Other Important Contacts Police Contact Name: Phone Number: Date: File Number: Notes: Shelter/Safe House Shelter Name: Contact Name: Phone Number: Notes: Sample section

Respect aging Links The last section of the Manual is called Links. Provides a list of Internet resources (website addresses). Further exploration of the topics covered in the Respect Aging Training Program.