
Define it
Abuse is a complex social phenomenon that can take many forms. It can be experienced by seniors, but also by adults in vulnerable situations. There is no typical profile of the abused adult, nor of the abuser. Anybody could one day suffer or cause someone to suffer abuse. That’s why we need to talk about this phenomenon, which is still too often kept under wraps.
Abuse occurs when a singular or repetitive attitude, word, gesture or failure to act appropriately occurs in a relationship where there should be trust, and intentionally or unintentionally causes harm or distress to the adult.
Recognizing it
There are 7 types of abuse
Psychological Example:
manipulation, rejection, emotional blackmail, infantilization, exaggerated surveillance of activities, minimizing remarks, xenophobic, sexist, homophobic, transphobic comments…
Physical Example:
shoving, hitting, force-feeding, refusing to give assistance, inadequate administration of medication…
Sexual Example:
suggestive attitudes or comments, sexual jokes, denial of privacy, exhibitionist behavior, unwanted touching, forced sexual relations…
Material or financial Example:
signing a lease under pressure, excessive prices charged for services rendered, banking transactions without consent, identity theft, withholding information, financial or legal misinformation…
Organizational (Care and services) Example:
having poorly trained, non-mobilized staff, complex administrative procedures, offering services that are unsuited to the person’s needs, tolerating practices or procedures that cause harmful situations, reducing the person to a number…
Ageism Example:
infantilizing, scorning, showing indifference, discriminating on the basis of age…
Violation of rights Example:
infringing on a person’s rights and freedoms, failing to inform the person of his or her rights, denying the person the right to choose, to receive calls or visits…
The Mistreatment Helpline
Do you believe you are being abused? Have you witnessed abuse? Do you believe you are being abused? Depending on what you’re experiencing, there are a number of resources available to help you.
Don’t hesitate to contact the provincial line: The Mistreatment Helpline.
1-888-489-2287
For more information, please visit:
lignemaltraitance.ca/en
Abuse concerns us all!