PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Abuse of older adults includes a number of behaviours that cause harm to an older person's wellbeing or safety. The abuse can take on many forms. This includes physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse and neglect. Older adults are often isolated from their family, friends and community. This can make them more vulnerable to abuse. Many are dependent on the very people that are abusing them, further complicating the matter. Elder abuse can, however, happen to any older person.
Understanding the types of elder abuse, the signs of abuse and who the potential abusers are is key to preventing elder abuse.
There is no specific law that deals with elder abuse. However, many forms of elder abuse can be dealt with under other laws. This includes the criminal law, laws concerning victims of interpersonal violence, laws about power of attorney and consumer protection laws.
It is important to find effective ways to take action against elder abuse. Understanding why victims of elder abuse and those who witness abuse may not report can help with this.
PLEA offers free online training on preventing and addressing workplace harassment.