Elder abuse, a social problem

What is elder abuse?

There are several ways to define abuse inflicted on the elderly. The definition adopted by the Gouvernement du Québec is taken from the Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse (World Health Organization, 2002):

"Elder Abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person."

The phenomenon of elder abuse is little known or recognized by seniors themselves, their close relations, case workers and the general public. Unfortunately, this phenomenon still represents a taboo in our society and few people dare to ask for help.

Moreover, with the aging population observed in several regions of the work, elder abuse situations are at risk of increasing over the next few years.

To counter elder abuse, it is important to upgrade the level of vigilance and improve the knowledge of this phenomenon, throughout society.

For more information on this subject, you can contact Myriam Lapointe at 418-528-7100, extension 2312.