World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 16, 2008 12:09 PM
McGuinty Government Working To End Elder Abuse
June 15 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the Province is reminding Ontarians that the elderly are often targets of mistreatment.
Elder abuse includes:
- Paying too much for a service
- Being emotionally mistreated or physically neglected or
- Suffering a violation of trust.
The Province works year-round with the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse to detect and respond to cases of elder abuse, provide services to abused elders and raise awareness of the problem.
If you have concerns about an elderly person in your life, call the Seniors Infoline at 1-888-910-1999. This toll free line offers information and referral service in multiple languages.
Quick Facts
- Today, 1.6 million seniors live in Ontario – 13 per cent of the population
- The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person.”
- It is estimated that between 4 and 10 percent of the province’s seniors have experienced, or will experience, some form of abuse.
Learn More
Ontario Seniors' Secretariat
ontario.ca/seniors