Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Peterborough Elder Abuse Prevention Network (PEAPN) encourage individuals, agencies and organizations to get involved to promote dignity and respect for all older adults in our community and across Ontario to stop abuse and neglect of older adults.
The United Nations General Assembly, designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world acknowledges the significance of elder abuse as a global public health and human rights issue. The theme of our WEAAD 2021 campaign is “Rights Don’t Get Old”.
- 1 in 2 people are prejudiced against older people (Global Report on Ageism, WHO)
- 1 in 6 people over the age of 60 are victims of elder abuse (World Health Organization)
- 1 in 5 Canadians say older people are a burden on society (Report on Ageism, Revera, 2012)
- In Canada, a 2015 study estimated that 8.2% of Canadians 55 and older experienced abuse and neglect (Into the Light National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, 2015)
- Women aged 55-64 years comprised the largest proportion of victims of femicide (19%) (Call it Femicide Report, Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2020)
- Nearly 8 in 10 seniors report age discrimination in healthcare (Report on Ageism, Revera, 2012)
PEAPN is a group of community agencies, service providers and volunteers who promote the prevention of elder abuse in Peterborough City and County through networking, information sharing, raising public awareness and advocacy. www.peapn.com
Elder abuse is an action, occurring within any relationship of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. Abuse can happen to any older adult! It takes place in communities, care homes, and institutions often by family, caregivers, service providers and others in a position of trust.
The basic human rights of older Canadians are challenged and undercut every day and, tragically, this has never been more true than over the last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year there has been an increase in abuse cases among older adults including frauds, scams and other forms of abuse. We all need to be aware of these behaviours, to help protect the health and wellbeing of older adults during these difficult times.
Older adults, families, agencies, businesses and community members need to know how to recognize the signs and engaged in taking steps to prevent it. EVERYONE has a role to play to prevent elder abuse.
PREVENTION TIPS
- Do not lend your bank card or give your PIN number to anyone
- Do not sign any documents you do not understand or are under pressure to sign
- Think carefully before making changes to your living situation such as moving in with family or friends or someone moving into your home
- Plan for your future. Have a Power of Attorney for Property and Personal Care.
Local Community Support Services
- Find other services at www.peapn.com
- Seniors Safety Line 1-866-299-1011
INFORMATION, SUPPORT AND REFERRAL
- Community Care Peterborough 705-742-7067
- Community Counselling & Resource Centre 705 742-4258
- Central East Local Health Integration Network – Home and Community Care Peterborough Branch (705) 743-2212 or 1-800-263-3877
REPORTING
- Peterborough Police 705-876-1122
- Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) 1 888 310-1122 non-emergency 705 742-0401
- Ministry of Health Long-Term Care ACTION Line 1-866-434-0144
- Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority 1-855-275-7472
LEGAL
- Peterborough Community Legal Centre 705-749-9355
- Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) 1-855-598-2656
