15/06/2026
Today, June 15th, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
According to the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, the rate of police-reported violence against seniors increased 22% between 2010 and 2020, with the largest increase observed in the past five years among senior men. In contrast, police-reported violence against non-seniors decreased 9% during the same time period, with increases observed beginning in 2015.
It's important to note that women over the age of 65 experience an intersection of gender-based, intimate partner, and elder abuse.
In a Stats Canada report on violence against seniors and their perceptions of safety in Canada, released in 2022, senior women who experienced police-reported violence were twice as likely to have been victimized by an intimate partner than senior men.
Women who are older may also experience violence from adult children, grandchildren, or support workers.
We know that often, survivors of intimate partner violence do not report to police. There are many additional reasons why senior women may not tell someone they're being abused:
-they may fear losing their home, being placed in a long-term care facility and losing independence.
-women's shelters are often not accessible, and may be overwhelming and feel unwelcoming.
-senior women may be caring for their abuser, or their abuser may be their caregiver.
Sometimes, the outward signs of abuse may be perceived by a doctor, family member, or other support person to be the result of more frequent falls or memory problems due to aging. It's important to take the time to create safety for women who are older, giving them the time and space to share their experience. If a woman who is older tells you she is experiencing intimate partner violence, it's important to believe her.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, reach out to our 24 hour support line at 867-993-5086 or email [email protected]. You are not alone, and you deserve support.
