Elder abuse on the rise in Calgary even though many incidents not reported

Most cases are financial or emotional and usually involve a family member

Image | hi-elder-abuse

Caption: Calgary police believe up to 80 per cent of elder abuse incidents go unreported.

People who work with seniors say there is a growing problem of elder abuse in the city.
Calgary police and social agencies say elder abuse is also under-reported, with most cases involving family members or friends abusing the trust of the elderly for financial gain.
"There are instances of physical or sexual (abuse) or neglect, but the most common are financial or emotional," said Lisa Stebbins, the managing director of older adult services with the agency Carya.

Image | Lisa Stebbins

Caption: Lisa Stebbins, of Carya's older adult program, says elder abuse is under reported. (CBC)

Stebbins says the elder abuse team has seen 600 cases in Calgary over the past five years, but she say victims are often reluctant to report abuse.

80% of elder abuse not reported

"That's why it makes it quite complex, because a lot of people are feeling shamed by the situation and they might even be fearful of reporting," she said.
Her comments were reinforced by Trevor Daroux, deputy chief of the Calgary Police Service. He says the number of cases is on the rise during the current downturn, along with most other types of crime.

Image | Trevor Daroux

Caption: Calgary's deputy police chief Trevor Daroux at an event to mark International Elder Abuse Awareness day. (CBC)

"We are seeing the number of cases increase. The bigger concern is that 80 per cent of elder abuse is never reported." he said.
Both Stebbins and Daroux were speaking at an event in Calgary to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Provincial funding

The province also announced it has earmarked $1.2 million to help prevent elder abuse.
Grants will be given to 25 seniors groups, community organizations and municipalities across the province.

Image | International Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Calgary

Caption: People wear purple to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Olympic Plaza in Calgary on Wednesday. (Justin Pennell/CBC)

It's expected to help co-ordinate the work of social workers, medical professionals and seniors group to prevent the physical, mental and financial abuse of older Albertans.
"All Albertans have a role to play in eliminating elder abuse and our government is doing our part," said Lori Sigurdson, Alberta's Minister of Seniors and Housing, in a release.