Elder Abuse: Does Anyone Care?

Elder abuse: It’s a shocking, silent crime. In Canada, only 4 in 10 cases are reported. As (alleged) Toronto elder abusers Kwong Yan, 43, and his wife, Qi Tan, 28, return to court, Elder Abuse: Does Anyone Care? provides deeper insight into the issue with a panel of experts from the advocacy, political and survivor perspective. Featuring recently discovered elder abuse hidden camera footage and disturbing real life survivor stories.

WITH:
Susan Eng – CARP VP Advocacy
Eng is calling for government to immediately establish a 911 or 1-800 Elder Abuse Hotline and tougher penalties for those convicted of elder abuse.

Lesley Anthony – Registered Nurse/Elder Abuse Whistle Blower
In 2004, Lesley Anthony exposed the elder abuse case of 87-year-old Norma Stenson on national TV. The lack of attention paid to her client’s critical situation led Lesley to plant a hidden camera in Norma’s room. Only after incriminating footage was captured – including verbal threats, intimidation, shaking, physical assault and theft – did police investigate and lay charges.

Detectives Mike Page and Tracy Muller  – Hamilton Police Department
Hamilton has taken the lead in educating the public about elder abuse and arresting those who perpetuate it. In 2004, Hamilton Police formed the Crimes Against Seniors Unit (CASU) — the first unit of its kind in Ontario. The unit is currently staffed by five officers.

Hosted by Libby Znaimer of Zoomer magazine and The Zoomer Report on The New Classical 96.3 FM and The New AM 740Hosted by Libby Znaimer of Zoomer magazine and The Zoomer Report on The New Classical 96.3 FM and The New AM 740

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A Snapshot of Elder Abuse in Canada

According to a 2009 CARP poll , as many as one tenth of its members claim to have suffered elder abuse, and close to one third claim to know of someone else suffering it.

The most commonly reported form of abuse is emotional abuse, followed by financial abuse. In every case, those with full or part-time caregivers are more likely (sometimes twice as likely) as others to report abuse. While greater public awareness leads the list of solutions to elder abuse, there is considerable enthusiasm for stiffer penalties and more caregiver training and supervision.

Watch a video clip of CARP VP Advocacy Susan Eng on preventing elder abuse — and how the current laws are not adequate for protecting older Canadians.