Ageing Policies Database
Abuse, violence, and neglect of older persons refers to any act or omission that causes harm or distress to an older individual. This includes physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. These actions can occur in family, caregiving, or professional settings. These actions violate human rights and have severe physical, psychological, and financial consequences for victims.
Display 1 - 5 from 5 policies
Canada
The "National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence" was introduced in 2022 by Women and Gender Equality Canada in partnership with provincial and territorial governments to coordinate investments across Canada aimed at addressing gender-based violence. Implemented at the national level and guided by these coordinated efforts, this action plan targets victims, survivors, and their families across Canada, regardless of location. It aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence. The action plan comprises five pillars and a foundational framework: support for survivors and their families; prevention; a responsive justice system; Indigenous-led approaches; social infrastructure and enabling environments; along with a foundation for cross-sector coordination, research, data collection, knowledge mobilization, reporting, and monitoring. Each province and territory has established bilateral agreements with Women and Gender Equality Canada, allowing flexibility to address local priorities and challenges. Recognizing that older women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, the plan includes targeted investments in housing, shelters, and transitional homes to provide safe options. Notably, all three territories have increased funding for shelters and transitional homes through the National Action Plan, while several provinces have enhanced shelter capacity to support individuals seeking safe refuge.
Canada
The "Mistreatment of Older Persons: Federal Policy Definition - Explanatory Document" was introduced by the Government of Canada on October 11, 2023. Implemented at the national level and prepared by Employment and Social Development Canada, this policy targets older persons, aiming to raise awareness of their mistreatment and to establish a common understanding for informing government programs and policies. The federal policy definition is not a legal definition; rather, it serves as a tool for cultural change and public awareness to support the prevention of mistreatment and guide related federal efforts. The explanatory document outlines various components of the definition, detailing types and forms of mistreatment, their significance, and the nuances associated with their inclusion. This document was authored by Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D., and Kevin St-Martin, M.S.S./M.S.W., and is intended to enhance understanding and support initiatives aimed at countering the mistreatment of older persons in Canada.
Republic of Moldova
The "Age of Action" campaign, supported by HelpAge International, the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, and the German Federal Republic (BMZ), was launched on June 15, 2018, aligning with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It advocates for older persons' rights to autonomy, long-term care, and protection against violence. Participants included government agencies of the Republic of Moldova, international organizations, civil society organizations and media representatives. The campaign stresses the need for "Active Ageing" in government agendas, urging involvement in UN discussions on older persons' care and rights. Four discussion groups explored the following theme: How to ensure that statistics on the impact of abuse and violence against older persons are regularly collected and their development monitored? What are the existing social, nursing and medical services in the Republic of Moldova? What services need to be created or expanded for older adults experiencing violence and abuse? Are there enough professionals to meet the demand for these services?
Canada
The Government of Canada recognizes that elder abuse is a serious issue affecting many older persons in Canada. The Criminal Code contains a comprehensive set of offenses and sentencing provisions to address the abuse and neglect of seniors. Recent sentencing amendments to the Criminal Code specifically address factors, which increase the vulnerability of older victims. The first amendment requires courts to consider it an aggravating factor, when sentencing an individual for the offense of fraud, that the offense “had a significant impact on the victims given their personal circumstances including their age, health and financial situation”. The second amendment codified the common law and requires the court to consider it an aggravating factor where evidence shows that an offense had a significant impact on the victim, having regard to age, and other personal circumstances such as health and financial situation (for all Criminal Code offenses not just specifically to fraud cases).
Ireland
This document, An Garda Síochána older persons Strategy, is developed by An Garda Síochána and has been developed to ensure the policing needs of older persons in Ireland are met to the highest standard possible. The Strategy for the Older Person was developed following extensive research and consultation with key internal and external stakeholders. The An Garda Síochána older persons Strategy has the following four key objectives: (1) to develop and maintain effective communication links between Gardaí and older persons; (2) to deliver a timely and effective proactive response by An Garda Síochána for older persons; (3) to increase trust and confidence by lessening the fear of crime amongst older persons; and (4) to determine and respond to the needs and expectations of older persons on an ongoing basis. Evaluation of this strategy will be carried out in collaboration with a range of other strategies and initiatives underway within the framework of the Diversity Strategy 2010–2013 and the National Model of Community Policing.