Elder abuse on the rise in Calgary even though many incidents not reported

People who work with seniorssay there is a growing problem of elder abuse in thecity.

Calgary police andsocial agencies say elder abuse is also under-reported,with most cases involvingfamily members or friends abusing the trust of the elderly for financial gain.

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"There are instances of physical or sexual (abuse) or neglect, but the most common are financial oremotional," saidLisaStebbins, themanaging director of older adult services with the agencyCarya.

Stebbinssaystheelder abuse team hasseen 600 cases in Calgary over the past fiveyears, but she sayvictims are oftenreluctant to report abuse.

80% of elder abuse not reported

"That's why it makes it quite complex, because a lot of people are feeling shamed by thesituation and they might even be fearful of reporting," she said.

Her comments were reinforced by TrevorDaroux, deputy chief of the Calgary Police Service. He says the number of cases is on the rise during the current downturn, along with most other types of crime.

"We are seeing the number of cases increase. The bigger concern is that80 per cent of elder abuse is never reported." he said.

Both Stebbins and Daroux were speaking at an event in Calgary to mark WorldElder Abuse Awareness Day.

Provincial funding

The province also announcedit has earmarked$1.2 millionto help preventelder abuse.

Grants will be given to25 seniors groups, community organizations and municipalities across the province.

It's expected to help co-ordinate the work of social workers, medical professionals and seniors group to prevent the physical, mental and financialabuse of older Albertans.

"All Albertans have a role to play in eliminating elder abuse and our government is doing our part," saidLoriSigurdson, Alberta's Minister of Seniors and Housing, in a release.

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