Seniors' Abuse FAQ

Seniors' Abuse HelpLine 454-8888 Questions and Answers

Q. What is senior abuse?

A. Any action or inaction by self or others that jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older adult. This includes physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or medication abuse as well as passive or active neglect.

It violates your basic right to feel safe where you live. It is controlling behavior, which makes you feel intimidated or afraid and it can be illegal.

Q. Who Are the Abused?

A. It can be anyone! In 2001, the Edmonton Elder Abuse Intervention Team received 265 referrals. Based on the information collected on those referrals, the following was noted.

71% of the clients were female.

29% of the clients were male.

56% of the time the victim was cohabiting with the alleged abuser.

The most common abuse identified was financial (43%) followed by physical abuse (33%).In 77% of the cases emotional abuse was the secondary type of abuse identified.

Q. Who Are the Abusers?

A. It can be anyone!

Often lives with abused person or knows them well

Has control and influence over older adult

May have addiction or mental health history/dependency issues

May have grown up in a violent and abusive environment

Q. How does the HelpLine assist callers?

A. The HelpLine provides confidential and anonymous support and information 24 hours a day. Callers are helped to talk through their issue and develop an action plan to deal with the abuse or crisis. Information on programs and services in the community is also provided.

Q. Who answers the HelpLine?

A. The Seniors' Abuse HelpLine is answered by The Support Network Distress Line volunteers.

Q. What training do they receive?

A. In addition to 64 hours of training in communication skills, suicide prevention, family violence, and community resources, Distress Line volunteers receive additional information and training in issues specific to elder abuse.

Q. Is there follow-up for callers?

A. Yes. For callers who agree, there is a follow-up telephone call. The calls are made by peer volunteers. They ensure the caller received appropriate referrals, provide additional support to access services, and re-assess the caller's risk for further abuse.

Q. Who is involved in this initiative?

A. Elder Abuse Intervention Team, a collaborative effort of

  • Catholic Social Services
  • Edmonton Police Service
  • The City of Edmonton
  • The Support Network
  • SAGE

Q. Who funds the Seniors' Abuse HelpLine?

A. Funding was received from the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. Additional funding for marketing materials was provided by Clifford E. Lee Foundation and the Downtown Rotary Club, with creative support from Palmer Jarvis, DDB.

Q. How significant is senior abuse in Edmonton?

A. In Alberta currently 11% of the population is over the age of 65. National statistics indicate that 7% of all seniors have experienced abused; in Edmonton that would amount to approximately 8000 individuals.

Last updated: October 30, 2008