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Programs and Services
Elder Abuse
WHAT'S NEW
Province-wide Seniors Safety Line now available
The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) has launched a new province-wide hotline to assist abused and at-risk seniors. The Seniors Safety Line will provide information, referrals, and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in over 150 languages. The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, awarded ONPEA a three-year, $415,700 grant in June 2008 to help with the set-up of the hotline.
The hotline is a toll-free, confidential resource for seniors suffering abuse, including financial, physical, sexual and mental abuse and neglect. The Seniors Safety Line can be reached at 1-866-299-1011 and is operated in association with the Assaulted Women’s Help Line (AWHL).
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
On Monday, June 15th, Ontario will join a number of jurisdictions across Canada and around the world in marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
By wearing something purple on June 15th, we can raise awareness of this important issue and demonstrate that we are united in the belief that elder abuse cannot be tolerated. For more information and resources on WEAAD, visit the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse website at www.inpea.net/weaad.html.
Prevention of Elder Abuse Policy and Program Lens
The Prevention of Elder Abuse Policy and Program Lens, through an easy-to-use checklist format, provides a standardized approach to assessing policies, practices, and programs on the prevention, detection and response to elder abuse. The lens also assists organizations to seek solutions and develop action plans that promote policies, practices and programs which support the rights, dignity and safety of older adults.
The lens was developed by the Elder Health Coalition and the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat in collaboration with the Prevention of Elder Abuse Work Group, with representatives from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, seniors and seniors’ organizations, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Ontario Long-Term Care Association, Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors, Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, and the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly.
Ontario’s Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse
Ontario’s Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse is the first of its kind in Canada . It has three key priorities:
- Coordination of community services
- Training for front-line staff
- Public education to raise awareness.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse, or the abuse of older adults, is often defined as any act or omission that harms a senior or jeopardizes his or her health or welfare. The World Health Organization defines abuse of older adults as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person”. Elder abuse can take place in the home, in other residential settings, or in the community. It is estimated that between four and ten per cent of Ontario ’s seniors experience some type of abuse.
The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat developed Ontario ’s Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse and is partnering with the Ontario Victim Services Secretariat, Ministry of the Attorney General, and the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) to implement the Strategy. The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the prevention of elder abuse and neglect. Elder Abuse Regional Consultants are in place across the province to help promote and support efforts in addressing and preventing elder abuse. The consultants act as a key resource to justice and community service providers and local elder abuse networks addressing elder abuse throughout Ontario .
Learn more at the ONPEA website .
The Minister Responsible for Seniors marked October 19, 2004 as the first Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Ontario. Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized annually across the province. You can learn more about Elder Abuse Awareness Day on the Seniors’ Secretariat website and download the following informative fact sheets:
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