|
|
|
|
Internet Links and Resources
Please Note: We invite you to suggest other resources related to abuse and neglect to list here.
GENERAL LINKS
National Abuse of Older Adults FAQs. www.law-faqs.org/elder/index.htm Contains information on: General Information, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Financial Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect, Reporting Abuse, Abuse as a Crime, Going to Court, Rights of Victims, Protective Orders, Restraining Orders, Peace Bonds, Wills, Future Care, Future Asset Management, Losing Decision-Making Power, Abuse in Institutions
Alcohol and Seniors website is dedicated to alcohol issues that affect seniors. Includes information on the alcohol and medication use as a risk factor in abuse.
CanLII provides free internet access to
legal information, including recent case law and legislation in Canada.
The site offers federal, provincial and territorial statutes and regulations,
plus a broad scope of case law that is updated daily.
Canada's 2001 report to
the WHO/ INPEA Global Response Against Elder Abuse
PROVINCES AND TERRITORIES IN CANADA
B.C. & Yukon Shelter Program: An innovative pilot project has been developed by the BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses (women's shelters) to provide shelter for abused older women. See below.
Provides legal information and advocacy for seniors including legal information counselling. Contact: 411 Seniors Centre 3rd Floor, 411 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1X4. Toll Free: 1-866-437-1940; Tel: 604-437-1940; Fax: 604-437-1929; Hours: Mon-Thu, 8:30 - 3:30. Site Description: BCCEAS offers a regular newsletter and fact sheets on abuse of seniors in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Vietnamese and Chinese. It participates in a range of projects including: the ABC's of Fraud; a Legal Advocacy Project, etc. Their website carries basic information on abuse in later life, and identifies BCCEAS projects. Includes recent editions of BCCEAS's newsletter "A Shared Concern". See: www.bcceas.ca/index.htmThe website also includes Legal Issues for Seniors: A Training Manual contains "materials designed to empower a senior, a volunteer or a person who works with seniors, to recognize and deal with legal issues that may come up and to demystify the legal process." Facilitators providing training to volunteers who work with seniors will also find this manual useful. They developed the content based on information gathered in Seniors and the Law focus groups. Seniors and the Law was a three-year project funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia. It ran from September 2001 and concluded in October 2004.
~~~ British Columbia Community Response Networks British Columbia has been very involved in the development of Community Response Networks to take action as communities to prevent and address abuse of older adults. A website on the networks has been set up at: www.bccrns.ca. The CRN website provides information on resources (including major publications on protocols and tools which they have developed), training, initiatives of local response networks, etc.
Also provides the key contact
persons and agencies for Community Response Networks in various communities
throughout B.C. ~~~ Re: Act... This education and a response program by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority was developed to ensure that frontline care providers are aware of and understand their obligations in relation to the identification, assessment and reporting of situations involving abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.
~~~
B.C. & Yukon Shelter Program In B.C. and Yukon, the BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses (women's shelters) has developed a pilot project to provide safety for abused older women. In conjunction with local women's shelters, private home owners have been recruited to provide emergency housing for older women leaving abusive situations.
The program currently operates in 4 sites,
in both large and smaller communities. Other elements of the project include:
For further information on this project, please contact Jill Hightower at: j.hightower@eastlink.ca or Greta Smith at greta@ca.inter.net BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses carries the video "What's Age Got to Do with It?" (an older woman's video)
~~~ Legal Services Society: Family Law in BC (Abuse) Provides brochures in multiple languages on important abuse-related topics such as:
~~~ Prince George Community Response Network
~~~ Senior Abuse: Instructional Resource Network Information compiled by Douglas College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Home Support / Resident Care Attendant Program. See: www.douglas.bc.ca/healthsci/seniorabuse/Fact Sheets.htm
~~~ BC Healthfiles Elder Abuse Prevention Series Part of a series of one-page, easy-to-understand fact sheets about a wide range of public and environmental health and safety issues. ~~~
In 1995, the Departments of Justice and Health and Social Services funded the Status of Women Council of the NWT to produce six public service announcements (PSA's) aimed at preventing abuse, entitled There's No Excuse for Abuse. Topics included spousal assault, alcohol and drug abuse, child abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault and elder abuse. The PSA's were translated into Aboriginal languages and shown on CBC North and Television Northern Canada. They were also recorded on audio tape and distributed to local radio stations. Source: www.pch.gc.ca/progs/pdp-hrp/docs/cedaw5/nt_e.cfm
~~~ Status of Women Council for the Northwest Territories carries basic definitions of senior abuse on their Family Violence page. www.statusofwomen.nt.ca/familyviolence_elders.html
Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network is a province-wide network of professionals dedicated to increasing community awareness around elder abuse and the resources available to address it. The network is comprised of representatives from communities across Alberta. www.child.gov.ab.ca/whatwedo/familyviolence/page.cfm?pg=Elder%20Abuse%20
~~~
Elder Abuse Intervention Team (E.A.I.T.), Edmonton
In collaboration
with City of Edmonton Community Service and the Edmonton Police Service, the
Team provides crisis intervention, education, support, and referral services to
older adults who are at risk of or are experiencing abuse. The program focuses on: (a) ongoing community education; and (b) direct service to seniors in suspected abusive situations, with assessment and development of a safety and service plan with the senior. This is done by a team composed of a police detective (who is solely involved with senior abuse) and a social worker. E.A.I.T. links with Edmonton Seniors Safe Housing, Edmonton Elder Abuse Peer Support Program (YMCA Edmonton), and others. A Consultation Team meets monthly, composed of 30 agencies, including doctors, nurses, legal advisors, social workers, home care workers, Alzheimer Society representatives etc.
For further information, contact the Elder
Abuse Intervention Team at: (780) 451-9243. ~~~
This is a new collaborative program in Edmonton, is operated by The Support Network's Distress Line. 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. Phone: (780) 454-8888. For more information see, www.thesupportnetwork.com/SAHL.html
~~~
Provides assistance and information for
seniors who are or could be victims of financial or physical abuse. Services
provided: General Information: Telephone: 403-509-1791, fax: 403-206-8393 Website: http://www.informalberta.ca/public/service/srvProfileLocality_Initialize.do?serviceQueryId=1002825
~~~ Kerby Centre, Calgary The Kerby Centre is a multipurpose senior centre which also offers a range of programs dealing with abuse. Counselling and support through the Social Work Department is available to seniors who are being abused. Other initatives include: the Money Matters Program (financial abuse); public education (with brochures on elder abuse in 13 languages);
For further information, contact Kerby House at: (403)
265-0661 or visit the website at:
Kerby Rotary House, Calgary A shelter for abused older adults which provides crisis counselling, advocacy, referral, short term housing, and 24 hour support for residents. For information, contact the Executive Director at: (403) 705-3244, or by email at: shelter@kerbycentre.com ~~~ Alberta Protection for Persons in Care
Protection of Person in Care investigates reports of abuse or safety concerns for adults in publicly funded care facilities in Alberta including hospitals, nursing homes, seniors' lodges and nursing homes. Focus is on "intentional abuse". See: www.cd.gov.ab.ca/helping_albertans/persons_in_care/index.asp
~~~ Office for the Prevention of Family ViolenceThe Alberta Children’s Services Office for the Prevention of Family Violence (OPFV) was established in 1984 by the Alberta government to provide a coordinated, provincially based government response to all forms of family violence, including abuse of older adults. www.familyviolenceroundtable.gov.ab.ca/
"Elder Abuse: What is it? What to do about it!" Family Violence Prevention pamphlet explaining what abuse in later life is, some of the types and factors associated with it, and identifying general types of community resources that can help. www.child.gov.ab.ca/whatwedo/familyviolence/pdf/elder_brochure.pdf
Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign Working Document Looks at the type of communication activities required in Alberta to challenge attitudes that foster acceptance or tolerance of seniors. Identifies:
Identifies some of the different needs/ issues for urban and rural audiences. www.child.gov.ab.ca/whatwedo/familyviolence/pdf/Elder%20Abuse%20Awareness%20Campaign%20Wkg.%20Doc.-Oct.%2003.pdf
Help for People Escaping Family Violence. A fact sheet from Alberta Works. Individuals and families can get financial help to leave an abusive situation, set up a new household and make a fresh start. This is primarily for people receiving "Income Support", but some older adults may be eligible.www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/albertaworks/publications/pdf/famviolence.pdf
~~~
University of Regina, Seniors' Education Centre Has produced several publications on senior abuse from 1992 to 1997. See: www.uregina.ca/cce/seniors/pub_vid/abuse.shtml ~~~ Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism Has developed a resource manual (2004) and searchable database of Saskatchewan departments and organizations. The guide is useful to Saskatchewan service providers when needing general contact numbers in order to help older adults in the province. Information in the guide and database is generic and not specific to abuse or neglect of older adults. www.skseniorsmechanism.ca/elderabuseresourcemanual.pdf ~~~ Steering Committee on the Abuse of Adults in Vulnerable Circumstances Report and Recommendations (1997). The Steering Committee engaged in broad community consultations on the abuse of adults in vulnerable circumstances. This report outlines issues and recommendations to the Ministers of Justice, Social Services, Health, Labour and Municipal Government to improve provincial response. www.saskjustice.gov.sk.ca/overview/publications/vasc.pdf
Age and Opportunity provides assessment and counselling services to individuals who are subject to abuse by spouses, adult children or other family members. ~~~
Provides a central source of information and referral for seniors and their families, seniors’ organizations and government departments. The Directorate has an elder abuse consultant working with communities and regions to increase public awareness and educate Manitobans about elder abuse, and ensure services are available and accessible. Website offers basic information on abuse in later life, fact sheets, plus contact information for the Seniors Abuse Line. Seniors Abuse Line: Phone (204) 945-1884. 1-888-896-7183 (toll-free) ~~~ Protection for Persons in Care As of April 30, 2001, it became mandatory for anyone who has a reasonable basis to believe abuse is occurring, or is likely to occur, to a person receiving care in a Manitoba personal care home, hospital or any other designated health facility, to report it to authorities as soon as possible. See: www.gov.mb.ca/health/protection/
~~~ Manitoba Law Reform Commission Manitoba Law Reform Commission's 1999 report "Adult Protection and Elder Abuse" (Report #103) provides a wide variety of recommendations regarding provincial laws in this area. Recommends against having an adult protection law, and offers a number of recommendations for changes to The Domestic Violence and Stalking Prevention, Protection and Compensation Act. See: www.gov.mb.ca/justice/mlrc/reports/103.pdf
~~~ Assiniboine Regional Health Authority Assiniboine Regional Health Authority (January, 2003) Elder Abuse Resource Guide. Description: This 24 page guide is intended for health providers and other agencies to help them recognize and effectively address abuse in later life. It covers definitions, rights, risk factors, and interventions in a plain language and respectful manner. See: www.assiniboine-rha.ca/newsletters/12-1.pdf
ACE is a community legal clinic for low-income seniors aged 60 or older in the greater Toronto area. Their website has Ontario information on abuse of seniors, home care, nursing homes, pensions and income, power of attorney and related issues, retirement homes and tenancy issues. They have produced
Also on the ACE site, see:
~~~ Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse Description: Non-profit provincial organization dedicated to the prevention of elder abuse and neglect. Focus on education and training, advocacy for policy development.
~~~
Elder Abuse Consultation Centre
The Elder Abuse Consultation Centre, located at the René-Cassin CLSC (local health/social service centre), offers support and counselling to victims of abuse and their families and outreach and education in the community. Call (514) 489-2287 or 1-888-489-2287 (within Quebec).
~~~ Quebec Network Against Elder Abuse Quebec Network Against Elder Abuse (reseau quebecois pour contrer les abus envers les aînés) is a non-profit organization focussing on abuse issues in later life in Québec. The role of the Network is to bring together and create partnerships among people who are concerned with abuse and neglect of older adults in Québec; are interested in prevention or intervention; and who want to contribute to a world where each older person will be able to live in with respect and dignity. The Quebec Network strives to facilitate public and professional access to the most up-to-date information on abuse in all its forms. The aim of the network is also to help develop a global vision of the issues; and to support positive and effective action towards abused older adults in Québec. The Network's website is under development www.rqcaa.org.~~~ <<La mission du RQCAA est de rassembler les personnes et les regroupements de personnes qui se préoccupent de la prévention et du dépistage des mauvais traitements envers les personnes âgées et de l'intervention à cet égard; le RQCAA maximisera l'accès à l'information le plus à jour, développera une vision globale des enjeux, et favorisera une action efficiente et efficace auprès de tous les aînés du Québec et des instances concernées. Les objectifs du RQCAA sont la mise en place d'une réponse coordonnée, la réduction de la duplication des efforts locaux et l'amélioration de l'efficacité des actions. >> ~~~ Quebec Human Rights Commission, Exploitation of the Elderly.
Department of Family and Community Services Department of Family and Community Services Adult Victims of Abuse Protocols.
~~~ Abuse and Neglect of Adults with Disabilities and Seniors (www.legal-info-legale.nb.ca/pub-abuse-neglect-seniors.asp)
This publication answers some questions about abuse and neglect of seniors or people with disabilities in New Brunswick, based on provincial and criminal law. It may also help family, friends and caregivers of older adults or persons with disabilities. Aussi disponible à français <<Violence et négligence à l'égard des adultes handicapés et des personnes âgées >>
~~~ Third Age Centre
The Third Age Centre will be producing new editions of its English language ‘Elder Abuse’ and ‘Scams and Frauds’ educational materials, and translating the materials to French. There are on going consultations with community agencies to ensure information is easy to read to better reach seniors across New Brunswick. Completion date is end of Spring 2005. Dr.Dorothy MacKeracher is leading this project. See: www.stu.ca/research/3rdage/activities.htm Protect Yourself and Your Property: A Guide for Savvy Seniors. Third Age Centre, New Brunswick, 19 pages. French language version - Protégez-vous et protégez vos biens: Guide à l’intention des aînés fûtés
~~~
PEI Centre on Health and Aging. Abuse of Older Adults. A Report of Priorities for Prince Edward Island. December 2001. Provides recommendations for the province.
Includes a hospital protocol, which provides very useful and respectful strategies for talking with and helping victims of family violence. "Count contact as a success".
Public Legal Education and Information Services Abuse and Neglect of Adults with Disabilities and Seniors. The publication answers some questions about abuse and neglect of seniors or people with disabilities. It may also help family, friends and caregivers of older adults or persons with disabilities.
~~~
Elder Adult - Adult Protection Act (Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia). Good overview of the law in Nova Scotia, explaining scope of law in Nova Scotia and what happens. Basic fact sheet on abuse of seniors, part of a series on family violence. Department of Justice also carries a basic fact sheet on abuse of seniors, and safety information for seniors.
~~~
Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland & Labrador The Seniors Resource Centre is a non-profit, charitable, voluntary organization dedicated to promoting the independence and well being of older adults in Newfoundland and Labrador by providing information as well as various programs and services. Programs and services, among many other things, include an Elder Abuse Speakers Bureau and a Peer Advocate Program. The Centre has published a resource guide "Looking Beyond the Hurt: A Service Provider's Guide to Elder Abuse" PDF version is available online.
Strategic Plan to Address Elder Abuse in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sets out a five year plan for education, community response, training and screening for service providers, caregiver support action plan, special legislation, and research.
280 Torbay Road, Suite W 100
Telephone: (709) 737-2333
USA National Center on Elder Abuse NCEA contains many American resources to help find assistance, publications, data, information, and answers. National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse NCPEA is "an association of researchers, practitioners, educators, and advocates dedicated to protecting the safety, security, and dignity of America's most vulnerable citizens." "The mission of NCPEA is to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons and adults with disabilities through research, advocacy, public and professional awareness, interdisciplinary exchange, and coalition building."
INTERNATIONAL INPEA is a standing committee of the International Association of Gerontology dedicated to the global dissemination of information as part of its commitment to the world-wide prevention of the abuse of older people. It offers a twice yearly newsletter detailing developments around abuse in later life in many regions of the world.
|
YUKON
BRITISH COLUMBIA
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
and NUNAVUT
ALBERTA
SASKATCHEWAN
MANITOBA
ONTARIO
QUEBEC
NEW BRUNSWICK
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
NOVA SCOTIA
NEWFOUNDLAND
& LABRADOR
