It could happen to your grandparents, uncle, aunt, neighbour, or even best friend.
Elder abuse is on a rise in London and victims may be too afraid to speak out.
Patrick Fleming, chair of Elder Abuse London Middlesex, says the majority of perpetrators are family members.
“[Victims] are feeling compromised in the relationship. They are wondering if I say something will that have a negative impact on me or will it end the relationship. If I am dependent on that person caring for me, then will that force me to have to leave home?”
Over 5 dozen victims and organizers gathered to learn about physical, emotional, and financial violations on elderly Londoners as part of Empowerment and Education Day.
Fleming says that many people do not realize that they are taking part in an abusive relationship.
“They might see it as their right to have that money made available to them. They may feel that it is their right to tell their aging parents what to do. “
The Internet could also be part of the problem, as commercial businesses may take advantage of people without advanced technological skills.
Up to 10 per cent of the elder community is experiencing some form of elder abuse and Fleming suggests that the need for health care might rise as well.
“If people are not inclusive and feel a part of things then their sense of self-worth, meaning, and contribution, all becomes negated.”
Public funding is limited, so many organizations combatting elderly abuse struggle to find unique ways to raise money for programs
Fleming advices victims of elderly abuse to visit the following website to learn about trigger signs and ways to receive help:
http://www.southwesthealthline.ca/listServices.aspx?id=10091
