Elder abuse often goes unreported
Calling crimes against seniors a hidden problem, the Prevention of Elder Abuse Committee of York Region will use a modest provincial grant to hold a conference later this year to promote awareness of the issue.
“It’s really great to hold a conference because that’s our mandate, to raise awareness,” committee member Leslie Bubeloff said.
“It’s what they call a hidden crime. It’s a hard thing to put a number to because it is so under-reported.”
The committee will receive $2,887 from the provincial government to host the conference, Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard announced Monday.
This came as welcome news to Bubeloff, who said the committee is struggling financially after its two-year Trillium grant of $146,000 ended in February.
A date and venue for the conference have yet to be determined but the event will be aimed at seniors, caregivers, front-line workers and volunteers, such as Meals on Wheels drivers who deal with seniors, Bubeloff said.
“In the community, what we’re finding is a lot of times, even though they know what elder abuse is, they haven’t got a clue what to do about it, who to talk to. That was the idea behind this conference,” she said.
“The thing is, it’s not really well-recorded because there is so much unreported abuse going on, supposedly. I don’t have stats because there are no stats on it, really. That’s the unfortunate part.
“The Prevention of Elder Abuse Committee of York Region, our goal is to basically raise awareness and promote education around what is elder abuse, how to prevent elder abuse and what are the resources available in the community and to get people working together to prevent elder abuse.”
Elder abuse is a concern in the region, York Regional Police Const. Andy Pattenden said.
“Other than children, seniors are some of the most vulnerable members of society. With the senior population on the rise, incidents of abuse are bound to increase but can be prevented,” he said.
“Often, there are signs someone is being abused. Know what to look for and get involved. York Regional Police will investigate complaints of abuse and will lay charges when the law has been broken.”
Society and the criminal justice system needs to do more to acknowledge and recognize the victimization of vulnerable adults, said Pattenden, adding there is no specific legislation in Ontario designed to protect them or mandate the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.
Any action or inaction that harms or threatens to harm a senior is abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse or neglect, Pattenden said.
Abusers can be relatives or business or personal contacts.
“Abuse seldom gets reported, often for fear of being institutionalized, embarrassment, guilt, share or fear of punishment or retaliation,” Pattenden said.
“Get involved and keep a watchful eye for loved ones or vulnerable persons…Don’t be afraid to ask for help, you are not alone. Police officers, doctors, nurses, social workers and faith leaders are trained to get you the help you deserve.”
The grant to the committee was one of three handed out to Newmarket and Aurora seniors groups to help older residents stay connected, active and engaged in their communities, Ballard said.
The others include $8,000 to InterChurch Health Ministries and $8,000 for York Region Food Network, which will run a series of workshops on food and storytelling to pilot the concept of using food as a connector and as a way for seniors to share their life stories and experiences.
Launched in 2014, the Seniors Community Grant program has invested $5 million to support 923 projects helping 256,000 seniors across the province through projects focused on volunteerism, learning, social inclusion and physical activity.