ABUSE VERSUS NEGLECT

By

ABUSE VERSUS NEGLECT

Abuse is an action that causes harm to another individual, and neglect is the non-action of not providing care or assistance to a dependent person (Canada.ca, 2016).

Elder abuse has no single definition and the stories of abuse and neglect are varied and complex. Most people never like to consider themselves as a victim which is why we use the word survivor when speaking about those who have experienced abuse. Elder abuse is more common than you might think as it is often a hidden problem, but WHO estimates that 1 in 6 older adults experience abuse worldwide. And a study by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario revealed the prevalence of elder abuse in Canada for the last year was 7.5% (physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse) representing 695,248 older Canadians.

Currently, older adults are finding themselves more vulnerable than ever to incidences of financial abuse and other COVID-19 related scams. If you or someone you know is experiencing a scam or fraud, find more information from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Their call centre is currently closed due to COVID-19, but you can report the scam online.

The more you know about elder abuse, the better equipped you will be to prevent it from happening to you and those you love. What elder abuse might look like the figure below explains.

Figure 1– What elder abuse might look like. (Source WHO, 2016. https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/elder_abuse/Elder_abuse_infographic_EN.pdf?ua=1)

It is most likely that abuse or neglect will be perpetrated by somebody well known or trusted. Most commonly experienced in a family setting (Wister, 2019). Which further muddies the water when it comes to recognizing that you are in an abusive scenario? Family members should be people that you can trust and it can be hard to spot abuse at the hands of a family member because it goes against everything you may believe to be true about those you are related to.

Family members and informal caregivers can lower their risk of committing abuse by:

  • Use coping techniques to manage “caregiver stress”
  • Ask for help from family or friends
  • Take advantage of formal support systems in your area
  • Take breaks when needed

Risk factors:

  • Shared living situation
  • Social isolation/poor social networks
  • Presence of dementia increases the risk for physical abuse
  • Presence of disability
  • Mental illness of the perpetrator
  • The hostility of the perpetrator
  • History of abuse throughout the life course
  • Being female or visible minority possibly increases the risk
  • Being uneducated about elder abuse

 

ELDER ABUSE RESOURCES

SENIORS ABUSE AND INFORMATION LINE (SAIL):

Call: 604-437-1940 or Toll Free: 1-866-437-1940

7 days a week (excluding holidays), 8am to 8pm

Language interpretation is available Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm.

SAIL is a safe place to speak to a trained intake worker about abuse or mistreatment, receive information and support about issues that impact the health and well-being of an older adult. If you are in a confusing situation and not sure where to turn – give them a call! There is no harm in calling to ask a few questions. Those who answer the line are trained in identifying any red flags and have your best interest in mind when it comes to offering advice. The more tools we have, the better we can manage any situation that life throws our way!

Stay socially connected. Now, more than ever it is important to stay socially connected and engaged. We may be physically distant, but that does not mean socially isolated as well.

You are not a burden. Repeat! You deserve to be safe, secure and comfortable

Remember that you are not alone.

Free support group for Filipino seniors who have experienced or are experiencing abuse of any kind, seeking help on a voluntary basis, or referred by family, friends, or neighbours. Serves seniors who reside in Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, and Vancouver. seniorsbrigade@yahoo.ca
Phone: 604-453-5885

CONTRIBUTOR

Thank you to our volunteer Meeka Marsolais for writing this blog!