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Elder Abuse

Canadian research shows that four to 10 per cent of older adults have been victims of one or more forms of abuse or neglect. These include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial. Often the abusers are family members or other caregivers.

What are the signs that an older person is being abused?

Older adults who are victims of abuse or neglect may:

• tell you they are being harmed
• show signs of depression or anxiety
• seem fearful around certain people
• become socially withdrawn (have less contact with people they were close to)
• become passive and submissive (are less likely to act on their own or defend themselves)
• have physical injuries they can’t explain
• not have enough food, clothing and other basic things they need
• show changes in hygiene or nutrition (ex: not washing regularly, losing a lot of weight)
• be unable to pay bills or have no spending money
• have unusual withdrawals from their banks (ex: large amounts taken out at one time)

If you are being abused, you:

• do not deserve to be abused
• have a right to live without fear
• are not to blame for the violence or the threats
• have the right to a safe, healthy environment and caring relationships
• have the right to control your own life and make your own decisions

There are things you can do to try and stop the abuse.

• No matter how long it’s been going on, or how scared you may be, tell someone you trust what is happening to you.
• If someone is hurting or threatening you or the place you’re staying at is not safe, call the police.
• Talk with people (ex: neighbours) to find out more about community resources that can help you. See what your choices are for getting help with your personal and financial needs.
• Make a safety plan (in case you have to leave quickly):
• Keep an extra set of keys, money, I.D., glasses, bank card, address book, medication, and important papers together outside your home (ex: at a friend’s), or in a safe place in your home.
• Find a safe place to go, if you need to, in an emergency.

Agencies funded through Family Violence Protection Program (FVPP) work with adults of all ages, including seniors.

For more help, call:

Seniors Abuse Line	204-945-1884 (Winnipeg) 1-888-896-7183 (toll free)
Protection for Persons in Care Office	204-788-6366 (Winnipeg) 1-866-440-6366 (toll free)
Age and Opportunity	204-956-6440 (Winnipeg);

Without help, abusive relationships only get worse.

Help is available

Contact one of the resources (see link below) for more information and find out how to create your own protection plan. If you are in an abusive relationship, or you know someone who may be, call 1-877-977-0007.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911

Click here for information on creating a protection plan
Click here for a list of resources and supports in Manitoba