In 1999, the Ontario government announced its new plans to deal with elder abuse. It also announced the formation of a Round Table of experts to provide advice and recommendations. At present, the government is considering proposals put forth by this group co-chaired by Dr. Podnieks.

The program was designed to build on several initiatives already established in the province, such as a Victims' Services phone line, Fraud Alert Calendar and the SeniorsBusters program. In addition, all 43 Community Care Access Centres around the province, which co-ordinate access to such services as visiting nurses, homemakers and therapists, were funded to train front-line staff to deal with elder-abuse issues.

While older people are far more willing to talk about elder abuse, there is still a reluctance on the part of most to report such incidents. Fear of potential consequences is usually the chief factor, whether recrimination from the abuser, the potential of being placed in a care facility, or that the individual is just too ashamed to tell anyone that a family member is abusing him or her.

In the last three years, there were only five criminal charges laid in connection to elder abuse across Canada. To make matters worse, charges were stayed in all five cases. Some factors that complicate such cases include problems with a senior's mental abilities, an attitude of ageism where it is assumed that seniors are less reliable, and a reluctance to involve other people in family problems.

Elder abuse is a complex issue by its very nature. Despite the strides that have been made to identify and understand it, it's generally acknowledged that there's still a long way to go - probably 15-20 years - before the extent of elder abuse is fully known. But, as Dr. Podnieks says, young people are also becoming more and more aware of the issue and, as long as there is a connection between youth and an issue, there's hope.

Common Myths

Myth #1: Older victims are somehow responsible for their own abuse or neglect.

Myth #2: Older people are burdens or inconveniences to their families.

Myth #3: Older men are not abused by their
spouses and children.

Resources

• BC CEAS, New Westminster, B.C.
  Tel: 604-521-1235.
• www.mun.ca/elderabuse
  (Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse)
• www.onpea.org
  (Ontario Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse)
• www.aoa.dhhs.gov/abus/default.htm
  (U.S. Elder Abuse Prevention and Treatment Resources)