Victims of Elder Abuse Have Numbers to Call
CITIZEN STAFF
10 January 2009
The topic of elder abuse is a growing concern with each passing day as those in the 65-and-over age group comprise one of the largest growing segments of the population.
According to statistics, about 61,000 senior citizens in B.C. -- about one out of 12 elderly people -- experience abuse from a family member, caregiver or someone else on whom they rely. The figures, however, only represent the reported cases, and do not take into account the other 80 per cent of hidden or undetected cases.
Abuse is defined as actions that harm an older person, or that jeopardize an older person's health and welfare. It comes in different forms, including theft, fraud, physical assault and financial, the latter of which is the most common.
"Financial abuse often ties in with other kinds of abuse or neglect," said Mary MacDonald, a social worker with Home and Community Care at Northern Health.
All types of abuse are considered crimes under the Criminal Code of Canada. The problem, however, is that authorities cannot prosecute an abuser without any physical evidence.
"A lot of abuse that I've encountered is not necessarily even a criminal offence, it's not to that level, but there's some wrongful action afoot that's having a detrimental result on the senior in question," MacDonald said, noting some seniors may not be aware of their fundamental rights as human beings. But even if an understanding is in place, there may only be "limited ways to exercise those rights."
Victims often deny the existence of a possible abusive situation for fear of retaliation, or they might tolerate a certain level of mistreatment because they depend on a caregiver for grocery delivery or other tasks.
Further information about senior's rights is available at the B.C. Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support at 1-866-437-1940, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Otherwise, call Victim Link at 1-800-563-0808.
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