As the coordinator of the Jasper Victim Services Unit, Paul Schmidt is on call at all hours of the day, ensuring that someone is always available to console and assist victims of tragic accidents and crimes in Jasper National Park. In this monthly column, Schmidt will talk about some of the issues he sees. He won’t speak for victims, but will address the issues from a victim services perspective, drawing on his years of experience in the field.
Elder abuse isn’t just one type of crime, it’s a crime that takes all different forms.
It’s defined as any action or inaction that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult and is often divided into six categories: physical, emotional, financial, sexual, medication and neglect.
In Jasper we have had cases of elder abuse, including incidents that would fall under any of these six categories.
It is troubling to see people, sometimes family members, friends, or acquaintances abusing positions of power with seniors in our community.
In Canada, the most frequently reported incidents of elder abuse are financial and emotional. Any senior can become a victim of elder abuse regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, income or education. Many cases of elder abuse go unreported due to shame and/or guilt. There are also some seniors who simply do not have the capacity to report it.
Whether a senior victim is unable or unwilling to report, there are many barriers to revealing elder abuse, some of those barriers include fear, love for the abuser, lack of understanding or impairment, being unaware of resource options or the acceptance of abuse or neglect as normal behaviour.
Seniors are encouraged to confide in someone they trust—talk to a friend or family member, a public health nurse, doctor, social worker, home care worker, Community Outreach Services, Jasper Victim Services or someone at their place of worship.
Victims are also advised to keep a written record of what is happening; documentation can be of assistance if a victim decides to take action against their abuser.
All forms of abuse are immoral, and some forms are illegal. A court protection order is a possible option to stop the abusive person from having contact with a victim.
Feelings of guilt or shame are challenging feelings in these cases, but there is help available, and we have seen some positive outcomes in minimizing further physical/emotional harm, as well as recouping of financial losses.
I encourage seniors experiencing elder abuse to ask for help and for all community members to take these issues seriously, and speak out if you suspect someone is being treated inappropriately.
Seniors 65 years and older are the fastest growing population in Canada.
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse and would like some information and help, please get involved.
Report incidents to the RCMP and familiarize yourself with these resources:
Anyone who is being abused and is in imminent danger should contact the police immediately; dial 911.
Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818 for information, advice and referrals. This 24-hour number is toll-free and available 7 days a week. Service is provided in over 170 languages.
Safeguards for Vulnerable Adults Information and Reporting Line: 1-888-357-9339 toll-free.
To report the abuse of an adult receiving publicly funded care or support services contact Protection for Persons in Care at the same number as above.
To report the actions of a co-decision maker, guardian or trustee contact the Office of the Public Guardian: 1-877-427-4525 (toll-free)
Please contact Jasper Victim Services if you have any questions at 780-852-2275 or [email protected].
In next month’s instalment of Jasper Victim Services Perspective, Schmidt will discuss the ways victim services can assist in non-criminal files.
Paul Schmidt Special to the Fitzhugh
