Maritime researchers conducting expansive elder abuse study

A group of Maritime researchers is asking P.E.I. and New Brunswick health care professionals to report elder abuse cases in a new online survey.

The group is called the Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults Research Team and it includes investigators from the University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University, Universite de Moncton and U.P.E.I. 

U.P.E.I. psychologist Colleen MacQuarrie is part of the team. 

MacQuarrie says while many of the researchers have studied issues related to violence against older women, they have never studied the broader issue of elder abuse across the Maritimes. 

She says this is the first study of its kind.

Macquarrie says P.E.I. health care professionals as well as those in anti-violence organizations are being asked to fill out an online survey about incidences they know of including issues such as physical and sexual violence, and physical and emotional violence.

"What are their experiences of trying to help? How is that help effective or not? What are the moments and times they've not been able to intervene or they're not sure what else can be done? I think a short-term outcome will be shedding light on an issue that's often kept in the dark," she said.

Researchers hope to get 200 responses.

MacQuarrie says this is the first step in what will be an expansive study spanning several years of research. The initial part of the study will be completed within the year.

Health care professionals and people who work in violence prevention that would like to take part in the study are asked to contact MacQuarrie by e-mail at cmacquarrie@upei.ca.