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Difference between revisions of "Older People and the Law"
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==Elder abuse== | ==Elder abuse== | ||
Elder abuse is mistreatment that harms an older adult. It can take many forms: | Elder abuse is mistreatment that harms an older adult. It can take many forms: | ||
Physical abuse: using physical force against an older adult. | * '''Physical abuse''': using physical force against an older adult. | ||
Financial abuse: misusing an older adult’s money or property. It includes forcing an older adult to sign a document. | * '''Financial abuse''': misusing an older adult’s money or property. It includes forcing an older adult to sign a document. | ||
Neglect: not keeping an older person clean and safe. | * '''Neglect''': not keeping an older person clean and safe. | ||
Sexual | * '''Sexual abus'''e: forced sexual contact of any kind. | ||
Psychological or emotional abuse: actions that cause mental or emotional harm. It includes threats, verbal abuse, and humiliation. | * '''Psychological or emotional abuse''': actions that cause mental or emotional harm. It includes threats, verbal abuse, and humiliation. | ||
Signs of abuse | |||
===Signs of abuse=== | |||
Here are some signs that abuse may be happening: | Here are some signs that abuse may be happening: | ||
Physical abuse: bruising and injuries that cannot be explained. | * '''Physical abuse''': bruising and injuries that cannot be explained. | ||
Psychological or emotional abuse: someone shows a high level of anxiety or distress. | * '''Psychological or emotional abuse''': someone shows a high level of anxiety or distress. | ||
Financial abuse: large unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts. | * '''Financial abuse''': large unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts. | ||
Neglect or self-neglect: lack of bathing, unclean living conditions, and lack of health aids such as dentures or glasses. | * '''Neglect or self-neglect''': lack of bathing, unclean living conditions, and lack of health aids such as dentures or glasses. | ||
Different types of abuse often occur at the same time. For example, a victim of physical abuse may also be a victim of psychological or emotional abuse. | Different types of abuse often occur at the same time. For example, a victim of physical abuse may also be a victim of psychological or emotional abuse. | ||
Where to go for help | |||
===Where to go for help=== | |||
[[File:Smiling young and elderly pair.jpg|thumb|275px|right| link=| <span style="font-size:50%;">Image via www.shutterstock.com</span>]] | |||
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Elder abuse is always wrong, and can also be a criminal offence. | |||
The following resources can provide support to you or someone you know. See the [[Find Out More in Learning about the Law|Find Out More]] section for additional contact information. | |||
* If someone is in immediate danger, '''call 911'''. | |||
* [https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/ Seniors First BC] operates the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL). It provides confidential legal information and emotional support over the phone. They can also provide legal representation in certain areas of law. | |||
* [https://bccrns.ca/search BC Association of Community Response Networks] can put you in touch with agencies in your community that help older people who are being abused or neglected. As well as by community, you can search the network by type of support, such as for Indigenous People. | |||
* [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc VictimLinkBC] is a toll-free, confidential phone service that can put victims of abuse in touch with counselling and other supports. Call 1-800-563-0808 anytime, 24x7. | |||
===Old Age Security=== | ===Old Age Security=== | ||
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Different types of abuse often occur at the same time. For example, a victim of physical abuse may also be a victim of psychological or emotional abuse. | Different types of abuse often occur at the same time. For example, a victim of physical abuse may also be a victim of psychological or emotional abuse. | ||
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}} | {{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[People's Law School]], 2013}} | ||
