'speaking out': elder abuse reports in edmonton spiked in 2019

by nicole bergotedmonton recorded 291 reports of elder abuse last year, say city police, an increase of 40 per cent.now, partner agencies that make up the edmonton seniors protection partnership (spp), along with police, are encouraging anyone who is aware of or suspects elder abuse, to get in touch with authorities.“the increase in the number of reports of elder abuse is an indicator that more seniors and those who care about them are speaking out,” det. alfred ma, with the city police senior protection unit, said in a statement. “that is the first step to ending the abuse. it is also why it is so important that we grow the conversation. to create awareness of the signs of elder abuse and to confront that abuse as a community because elder abuse hurts us all.”elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as the financial exploitation or neglect of an older person. in 2019, spp responded to 291 reports of abuse, an increase of more than 40 per cent over 2018.spp is a collaboration of city police, the city of edmonton, catholic social services, covenant health, and sage seniors association.spp’s 2019 data shows that 76 per cent of edmonton’s abused elders were victimized by an adult child or family relative. however, abusers may also include friends, care-givers or others who are in a position of trust or authority.“seniors often face significant barriers when seeking help or support,” added sarah ramsey, community social worker with spp, city of edmonton. “if the abuser is a family member, older adults may hesitate to reach out, out of a sense of loyalty. they may also fear a person in a position of control or authority like a caregiver; or feel embarrassed or ashamed.”some of the signs of a person experiencing abuse include:– discrepancies between a person’s standard of living and his/her financial assets, or a depletion of assets, without adequate explanation.– malnourishment and inadequate physical care.– physical injuries, such as bruises, burn marks, welts, rope burns, tufts of hair missing, broken bones, none of which can be adequately explained.– withdrawn, apathetic or fearful behaviour, particularly around certain persons.– medical needs not attended to.the elder abuse intake line at 780-477-2929 is available for consultation or to report senior abuse.nbergot@postmedia.comdon’t miss the latest on covid-19, reopening and life. subscribe to healthing’s daily newsletter coming out of covid.