Systemic Abuse

The World Health Organization defines systemic abuse as a form of oppression such as ageism which uses racism, sexism, or ableism to prevent older adults from accessing adequate care or from being treated with respect and dignity.

  • Older adult female sitting in a wheel chair covering her face with her hands

    What is systemic abuse?

    Our society and the systems that develop within it can generate, permit or perpetuate elder abuse. Most prevalent is discrimination against seniors due to their age and often combined with any of these additional factors: gender, race, colour, language, ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, or geographic location.

  • Young adult male in a hospital setting holding the hand of a older adult male

    What are some examples of systemic abuse?

    Lack of access to appropriate accommodation; trying to enforce payments in hospitals while awaiting a bed in a long term care home; not receiving information about rights when declared incapable; health care cuts that result in restricted access to appropriate care needs; reduced pensions resulting in poverty.

  • Older adult male wearing a mask staring out a window

    What are some of the sign systemic abuse?

    The older adult may feel afraid to go places and feel invalidated and silenced by medical professionals, social services, and society.