Promote information sharing among professionals and advocates in the field of elder abuse. Develop educational and training programs about elder abuse prevention and intervention for people working with the elderly. Advocate legislative action to meet the needs of victims, perpetrators, and their families. Offer services and support to victims of elder abuse and neglect. Be sensitive to multicultural and aboriginal issues related to elder abuse.
Elder abuse is any act that harms or threatens to harm the health or welfare of an elderly person.
Abuse can be physical, psychological or financial. It can also take the form of neglect. Abuse happens in the home, the community and in active and long term care facilities. Abusers can be family members, informal or formal caregivers, friends and landlords. A recent national survey indicated that 1 in 25 people over the age of 65 and living in the community have suffered some form of abuse.