Ethnocultural Abuse
Elder abuse does not discriminate. Ethnocultural, it exists in all communities and all cultural, racial, class, socio-economic, and religious groups.
There are added challenges and barriers to escaping elder abuse for individuals who, for cultural reasons, can be marginalized from mainstream society. Reasons for marginalization include:
Language Barriers
An inability to communicate in the dominate language of a community could leave a senior especially defenceless against abuse and exploitation. Language barriers can augment both dependence and isolation, making disclosure much more difficult, and obtaining access to services significantly more challenging.
Social Isolation
Ethnocultural seniors can find themselves socially isolated due to language barriers, physical limitations, or unfamiliarity with surrounding communities. This sense of isolation heightens their vulnerability to abuse. The absence of a social network can also make abuse easier to hide, and seniors in this group are much less likely to have the social confidence or connection to seek the help they need.
Financially Dependant
Some ethnocultural seniors lack a livable savings or a pension. As a result, they may be forced to become financially dependent on their children or caregivers. The result is an increased risk for potential neglect or exploitation.
Emotionally Dependant
Ethnocultural seniors may be particularly at risk of becoming emotionally dependent on those closest to them. Family members or caregivers can manipulate this relationship with threats such as withdrawing sponsorship. Fear of abandonment, deportation, and institutionalization can become enormous deterrents to disclosing abuse. These fears are often rooted in a lack of understanding of their legal and human rights or a fear of the Canadian justice system.
Cultural Factors
Cultural taboos against revealing “private” family issues can create barriers to escaping elder abuse. Almost all seniors are reluctant to ‘bring shame’ to their families, but certain ethnocultural beliefs and values can make seniors feel bound to silence rather than reveal matters that might cause themselves or their family members shame or embarrassment.
Source: Abuse in Ethno-cultural & New Immigrant Communities – Department of Community Service Government of Nova Scotia
When is Elder Abuse a Crime?
Laws that are most applicable to older adults and the issue of abuse can be found in a variety of statutes, both federal and provincial. Where an older person is being abused physically, financially, and sometimes psychologically, the Criminal Code of Canada sets out offences that may include the actions being taken against the older adult.
Statutes are written laws that have been approved by the established legislative process. Federal statutes are referred to as Statutes of Canada. Provincial statutes such as that of the province of Alberta, are referred to as the Statutes of Alberta.
For information and resources that will give you a general understanding of legal issues around elder abuse and possible action, please visit Oaknet , the Older Adult Knowledge Network.
