POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 71 Senior abuse is the infliction of harm on an older person. It involves any act, or failure to act, that jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older person. Senior abuse is sometimes also called elder abuse, or ‘abuse of an older adult.’ All calls that used to go to the Senior Abuse Line will now be taken by Nova Scotia 211. Nova Scotia 211 provides information, referral, and support to seniors and others. It is a place people can call for information. 211 is the number to call if you have a concern about a situation of inappropriate or abusive behaviour affecting the well-being of an older person. All information you may share will be kept confidential. Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Abuse 1.Are there different types of senior abuse? There are several types of senior abuse, including: Physical abuse is the infliction of pain, injury, or discomfort on an older adult. Acts of physical abuse include: • hitting, punching, slapping, pushing, pinching, choking, or kicking • physical restraint • throwing the person around, or throwing things at them • medication abuse (over/under medicating) • medical maltreatment • any unwanted physical touching Physical abuse is assault. Assault is when someone purposely uses or tries to use force against another person, without that person’s consent. Verbal abuse is when someone threatens with words (‘do this or else’), calls a person names, insults them or their loved ones, raises their voice, or yells at the person. Sexual abuse is any form of sexual activity with a person without the consent of that person. It can include unwanted sexual touching, sexual relations without voluntary consent, or the forcing or coercing of degrading, humiliating, or painful sexual acts. This kind of behaviour is a crime in Canada. Emotional abuse is the infliction of anguish or emotional pain. Psychological or emotional abuse can be similar to verbal abuse, and can include purposely rejecting, degrading, terrorizing, isolating, or exploiting someone, or denying or not responding to someone’s emotions. Emotional abuse also includes threats or intimidation, constant criticism and put downs, controlling the older adult’s activities, humiliating or isolating them, or treating them like a child. Violation of human/civil rights is the unlawful or unreasonable denial of the fundamental rights and freedoms normally enjoyed by adults. It can involve denial of information, denial of visitors, denial of opportunity for religious worship, denial of the right to provide informed consent to medical treatment, interference with mail, or unwarranted confinement in a hospital or institution. Financial abuse is the unethical or illegal misuse of the money, property, or other assets of an older adult, including placing inappropriate pressure on an older person in order to gain access to their money or assets. It can involve the improper withholding of finances, fraud, misuse of power of attorney, pressuring the older person to change the terms of their will or hand over pension cheques. Senior Abuse and the law continued
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