Elder abuse reports up 40% in 2019, police say

Edmonton 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 show that 76 per cent of Edmonton’s abused elders were victimized by an adult child or family relative. However, abusers may also include friends, caregivers or others who are in a position of trust or authority.

The elder abuse intake line at 780-477-2929 is available for consultation or to report senior abuse.