Elder Abuse and Neglect
Know the Signs and How to Get Help
October 5, 2026
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The following resource is adapted from information presented during a past Kusina session and is accurate as of the above date.
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Older adults deserve to feel safe, respected and supported. Elder abuse can happen to anyone, and it is never the older adult’s fault.
Elder abuse happens when someone uses their power, trust or influence to control, take advantage of, or harm an older adult. It can happen once, such as through a physical assault or scam, or develop over time.
It can happen anywhere, including at home, in care settings or in the community. Often, the person causing harm is someone the older adult knows and trusts, such as a family member, friend, caregiver or other person in a position of trust.
Abuse is never the price of receiving care.
Older adults have the right to make decisions about their lives, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to live free from violence, exploitation and neglect.
As a community, staying connected, listening without judgment and knowing where to turn for help can make it easier for older adults to get support when they need it.
Who may be at greater risk?
Anyone can experience elder abuse. Some circumstances can make it harder for an older adult to recognize abuse, seek help or safely leave a difficult situation.
These can include:
Social isolation: Having few social connections or people who might notice that something is wrong.
Dependency: Relying on another person for care, housing, transportation or other needs, or having someone depend on the older adult for housing or financial support.
Communication barriers: Language barriers or difficulty communicating concerns.
Disability or health issues: Physical, mental or cognitive changes can sometimes make it harder to seek assistance.
Family or relationship dynamics: Long-standing family patterns, conflict or expectations can affect how an older adult responds to abuse.
Cultural expectations: Beliefs about family responsibility, respect for elders, privacy or keeping family matters within the home can sometimes make it difficult to ask for help.
Culture and family relationships should never be used to excuse abuse. Older adults have the right to safety, dignity, independence and respect.
What does elder abuse look like?
Elder abuse and neglect can take different forms. Sometimes the signs are obvious; other times, they may be difficult to recognize.
Physical abuse
Using physical force that causes injury, pain or discomfort.
Examples include:
Hitting, kicking or punching
Rough handling or physically restraining someone
Using force to rush or control an older adult
Misusing or withholding medication
Emotional or psychological abuse
Actions that cause fear, distress, humiliation or a loss of dignity and self-worth.
Examples include:
Threatening to harm, abandon or institutionalize someone
Bullying or harassment
Deliberately isolating someone from friends or family
Treating an older adult like a child or suggesting they cannot make decisions for themselves
Gaslighting — repeatedly making someone question their own memory, experiences or understanding of what happened
Financial abuse
Using an older adult's money, property or assets without their knowledge or consent, or pressuring them into financial decisions.
Examples include:
Taking money or belongings
Misusing bank or credit cards
Stealing or cashing pension cheques
Pressuring someone to sell or transfer property
Pressuring someone to change a will or other legal document
Fraud and scams
Sexual abuse
Any sexual contact or activity without the person's consent.
Neglect
Failing to provide the care or support an older adult needs, including physical, emotional, social or medical needs.
Examples can include withholding:
Food or water
Necessary medication
Personal care
Access to health care
Social connection or support
Self-neglect
When an older adult is unable to meet their own essential needs, putting their health or safety at risk. This can sometimes be connected to cognitive changes, illness, disability or other circumstances.
Is elder abuse a crime in Canada?
There is no specific offence called "elder abuse" in the Criminal Code of Canada. However, actions that constitute abuse may be crimes under other laws.
Depending on the circumstances, this can include assault, theft, fraud, forgery, stalking or failing to provide the necessities of life.
Other harmful behaviours, such as humiliation, insults, infantilization or gaslighting, may not themselves be criminal offences, but they can still be forms of abuse and should be taken seriously.
What can you do if you're concerned?
Stay connected
Regular contact with older adults can help reduce isolation and make it easier to notice changes or concerns.
Check in with family members, friends, neighbours and community members. A phone call, meal together or regular visit can make a difference.
Listen without judgment
If an older adult tells you something is happening:
Listen and take them seriously.
Avoid blaming or judging them.
Let them know they deserve to be safe and respected.
Ask what kind of support they want.
Encourage them to seek help when it is safe to do so.
Remember that leaving an abusive situation is not always simple, especially when the person causing harm is a family member, caregiver or someone the older adult depends on.
Know where to get help
You don't have to figure it out alone. If you are concerned about an older adult, or if you are one yourself, there are confidential services that can provide information, support and referrals.
Resources in BC
Immediate danger: Call 9-1-1
If an older adult is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
For situations that do not require an immediate police response, contact your local police or RCMP detachment through its non-emergency number.
Seniors First BC — Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL)
SAIL is a confidential information and referral helpline for older adults and people concerned about the wellbeing of an older adult.
1-866-437-1940
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Language interpretation is available, including ASL.
If you are unable to call, email: info@seniorsfirstbc.ca
Designated Agencies
Under BC's Adult Guardianship Act, designated agencies can respond to reports involving adults who are unable to seek help or assistance for themselves because of physical or mental disability, illness or other limitations.
Fraser Health: 1-877-732-2808
Interior Health: 1-844-870-4754
Island Health:
Victoria: 250-388-2273 / 1-888-533-2273
Nanaimo: 250-739-5749 / 1-877-734-4101
North Island: 250-331-8570 / 1-866-928-4988
Northern Health: 1-844-465-7414
Vancouver Coastal Health: 1-877-732-2899 or react@vch.ca
Community Living BC: For adults with developmental disabilities who are eligible for CLBC services, call 1-855-664-7972 or contact your local CLBC office.
Public Guardian and Trustee of BC
The Public Guardian and Trustee can investigate allegations of financial abuse involving adults who may be unable to protect their own financial interests.
Call: 604-660-4444
Or toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
Additional Resources
BC Community Response Networks
BC government: Protection from Elder Abuse and Neglect
Disclaimer: This resource provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. Laws and policies may change. If you need advice about your specific situation, contact a legal advocate, lawyer, or community legal clinic. If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
