Although elder abuse continues to be a social issue in our province there has been a significant shift in the community’s response to elder abuse, although it is still not on the same magnitude as child abuse and domestic violence. For the past decade elder abuse has received increased attention not only from community organizations and agencies providing services to seniors but also from the Ontario Government.

The implementation of Ontario’s Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse has heightened the attention and awareness of the importance of protecting older adults ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity. In recognition of the work being done in Ontario by community organizations and several community elder abuse Networks, the Elder Abuse Strategy built on these successes and provided the financial resources to significantly support existing programs as well as develop and implement new initiatives across the province.

A major thrust in this movement to STOP elder abuse has been at the community level by agencies, organizations, as well as older adults who have become actively involved in their communities and have developed elder abuse networks, prevention programs and resources to assist seniors who are vulnerable or at risk of abuse. The assistance provided by Regional Elder Abuse Consultants, who were hired through the Strategy, have facilitated and enhanced communities throughout Ontario in their ability to respond to elder abuse. There are over 55 elder abuse networks in community/regions of Ontario each with their own identity, goals and objectives reflecting the needs of their local older adults as well as programs that planned to address priority issues.

The amount of work accomplished through the volunteer dedication of the members of these Networks is to be commended. Although funding is limited many Networks still apply regularly for grants to support local endeavours. The Ontario Government has recognized their value in protecting older adults and preventing elder abuse through providing some financial support to the Elder Abuse Networks to support their work in providing education, training, awareness events, and program development. In some communities this funding has enabled the Networks to hire part time coordinators, host training events for local service providers, create brochures, promotional materials featuring prevention messages to distribute to seniors. In addition, Networks who are applying for funding are finding more granting organizations listing elder abuse as an important issue to be funded. The Trillium Foundation, New Horizons, and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services are examples of this trend.

Awareness of the problem of elder abuse has increased over recent years. This can be attributed to agencies and Regional Consultants across the province getting the word out to seniors in their communities. The establishment of Provincial Elder Abuse Day (October 19) and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) as well as the local Awareness Campaigns that are held by Elder Abuse Networks show, both at the community and government level, that elder abuse is an important issue that MUST be dealt with NOW. The airing of the Public Service Announcements on elder abuse, produced by the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, by television stations in Ontario has enhanced awareness among the general public. Media attention to the issue has also increased through newspaper stories of abuse in LTC Homes, Neglect and even death of seniors by an abuser. There is also more television coverage with specials profiling the dynamics of elder abuse and showcasing programs that serve seniors. All this media attention has lead to an increase in awareness and reporting of elder abuse cases.

It is evident that support agencies are working together to assist families and seniors who experience abuse. Although core sustainable funding is still not available for specific elder abuse services community agencies are working and coordinating existing services to assist families.

links to other commentaries on this or related topics

• Dr. Elizabeth Podnieks - Hardiness In Older Victims Of Elder Abuse
• Prof. Ariela Lowenstein - Psycho-social Factors Affecting The Elderly

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