Stats on Abuse in Canada
Statistics Canada conducts an annual General Social Survey (GSS) to monitor changes in the health of Canadians, as well as to examine social support.
One in ten Alberta seniors may be the victim of some form of elder abuse
Source: GoA 2024
Alberta is the 3rd highest province in Canada for elder abuse
Source: GoA 2024
One half of people in the world are ageist against older people
Source: WHO 2022
82% of those 50 - 80 experience ageism daily
Source: Stats Canada, 2020
Ageism became grounds of discrimination that is prohibited in Alberta under the Human Rights Act in 2017
As part of the 1999 GSS, 4,000 older Canadians were interviewed to examine their experience regarding emotional and financial abuse, as well as physical and sexual violence committed against them by their children, caregivers, and spouses. The following results were reported:
- Approximately 7% of seniors interviewed reported that they had experienced some form of emotional or financial abuse by an adult child, caregiver, or spouse within the past five years
- Emotional abuse was reported most frequently
- Financial abuse was the second most reported form of abuse
- Almost 2% of older Canadians reported experiencing more than one form of abuse
What are the implications for older Albertans today?
Applied to Alberta's current senior population, these statistics tell us that approximately 23,000 Alberta seniors are experiencing one or more forms of abuse.
We know that there are many barriers to disclosure and that abuse of older adults is not readily identified by service providers or community members (Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults- Community Awareness and Response, 2001, p.23). We also know that our population is aging quickly. The Alberta for All Ages – Directions for the Future report stated that "between 1999-2016 the Alberta seniors' population will increase 60-70%, while the general population will only grow by 30%."
The implication from these statistics is painfully clear: Unless we take action through awareness and prevention, the prevalence of elder abuse will continue to grow.
What are the costs of family violence in Canada?
Measuring the economic impact of violence allows us to examine the issue from another vantage point: Financial. This data provides us with valuable information when planning prevention and intervention efforts.
Health and Well-being $1.5 billion
Social Services / Education $2.3 billion
Criminal Justice $872 million
Labour / Employment $577 million
Health / Medical $408 million
Social Programs $385 million
Total Cost $6 billion
(Sources: Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children, The Health Related Costs of Violence Against Women in Canada: The Tip of the Iceberg. Tanis Day Ph. D., 1992, 1995)
While these statistics speak to the enormous social price tag of family violence, it is critical that we not forget that economic facts do not measure:
- The human cost of emotional suffering;
- decreased quality of life; and
- in some cases the loss of life
