Issue 31 - Special Report

Signs and symptoms:
Victims of elder abuse may show signs of:
* Depression, fear, anxiety or passivity
* Unexplained physical injuries
* Dehydration or lack of food
* Poor hygiene, urine sores or bed sores
* Over-sedation

Why is elder abuse not reported?
Some victims do not report abuse because:
* They are afraid of retaliation
* They think they will be put in an institution
* They are ashamed that a family member mistreats them
* They think that the police and social agencies cannot really help them.
People may be suspicious that someone is being abused but they do not report it; they do not know where to go, or how to help, or they may not want to get involved.

Where to get help?
* Police
* Public Health Department
* Community care access centres (CCACs)
* Community information centres
* Info ability (in Ontario) 1-800-665-9092
* Community legal clinics
* Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse 416-978-1716
* Nationwide, The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence distributes publications and videos on the issues of the abuse of older adults, child abuse, violence against women and family violence in general. Publications are available in alternate formats upon request. Toll-free telephone: 1-800-267-1291

Elder abuse, like all forms of family violence is unacceptable. Many acts of elder abuse are crimes and should be dealt with under the criminal code. Cultural differences, family differences, individual differences make our society rich. These differences also make it dangerous to generalize. We should never assume that abuse is happening or not happening, each case of elder abuse is unique so assess each situation but do not jump to conclusions. Look for risk factors and, if suspicious, get help appropriately. Everyone shares the responsibility of responding quickly to help any person who is suffering abuse.

Information provided by Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks, Chair, Board of Directors for the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.




	Special Report

		Signs and symptoms: Victims of elder abuse may show signs of: * Depression, fear, anxiety or passivity * Unexplained physical injuries * Dehydration or lack of food * Poor hygiene, urine sores or bed sores * Over-sedation Why is elder abuse not reported? Some victims do not report abuse because: * They are afraid of retaliation * They think they will be put in an institution * They are ashamed that a family member mistreats them * They think that the police and social agencies cannot really help them. People may be suspicious that someone is being abused but they do not report it; they do not know where to go, or how to help, or they may not want to get involved. Where to get help? * Police * Public Health Department * Community care access centres (CCACs) * Community information centres * Info ability (in Ontario) 1-800-665-9092 * Community legal clinics * Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse 416-978-1716 * Nationwide, The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence distributes publications and videos on the issues of the abuse of older adults, child abuse, violence against women and family violence in general. Publications are available in alternate formats upon request. Toll-free telephone: 1-800-267-1291 Elder abuse, like all forms of family violence is unacceptable. Many acts of elder abuse are crimes and should be dealt with under the criminal code. Cultural differences, family differences, individual differences make our society rich. These differences also make it dangerous to generalize. We should never assume that abuse is happening or not happening, each case of elder abuse is unique so assess each situation but do not jump to conclusions. Look for risk factors and, if suspicious, get help appropriately. Everyone shares the responsibility of responding quickly to help any person who is suffering abuse. Information provided by Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks, Chair, Board of Directors for the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Previous Page / Next Issue Story

	\| Home \| Contact CSA \| Events \| Lifestyle \| Join CSA \| Press \| Magazine \|
	Copyright © 2003 Medipac International Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use