Royal Canadian Mounted Police / Gendarmerie royale du Canada

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Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Senior safety

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The RCMP is committed to the well-being and safety of seniors across Canada. The RCMP works with partner organizations and local communities to develop tools to help the public and police better recognize, prevent and respond to elder abuse.

Elder abuse

Elder abuse is violence, mistreatment or neglect towards older adults. The abuse often comes from individuals in situations of power or trust (spouse, children, other family members, caregivers, service providers). It can also come from other individuals. The abuse can occur in either private residences or outside the home.

Elder abuse is never acceptable. If you or someone you know are being abused, report it to the police.

Forms and signs of elder abuse

Economic/financial abuse
  • Sudden changes in bank account or banking practice
  • Coercing an elderly person into signing a document (i.e. contracts, wills)
  • Negotiating an elderly person's cheques without authorization
  • Stealing or misusing an elderly person's money or possessions
  • Forging an elderly person's signature
  • Misuse of power of attorney
Institutional abuse

In some cases, a facility's policies may be inappropriate for meeting an elderly person's needs. Some institutions may operate to meet a personal or financial goal that conflicts with meeting residents' needs.

  • Overcrowded, substandard and/or unsanitary living environments
  • Inadequate care and nutrition
  • Aggressive / inappropriate staff–client relations
  • Use of chemical and physical restraints to exert control over the elderly
Neglect (Self or by others)
  • Unkempt appearance
  • Broken glasses
  • Lack of appropriate clothing
  • Lack of eyewear, hearing aid, dentures and other necessities
  • Malnutrition or dehydration
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Untreated sores
  • Hazardous or unsafe living condition or arrangements (dirt, fleas, lice, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell)
Physical abuse
  • Untreated or unexplainable injuries in various stages of healing
  • Limb and skull fractures
  • Bruises, sores, cuts, punctures or sprains
  • Internal injuries/bleeding
  • Dislocations
  • Black eyes
  • Welts and bondage marks (signs of being restrained)
Psychological and/or emotional abuse
  • Changes in behavior (emotional upset/agitation resulting in sucking, biting, rocking)
  • Withdrawn
  • Non-responsive
  • Symptoms usually attributed to dementia (e.g., sucking, biting, rocking)
Sexual abuse and exploitation
  • Venereal disease
  • Genital infections
  • Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
  • Vaginal or anal bleeding
  • Bruising around the breasts or genital area
Spiritual abuse
  • Restricted or loss of spiritual practices, customs, traditions
Violation of rights
  • Restricted liberty, rights to privacy, access to information, or available community supports

Some facts

  • In Canada, certain forms of abuse are crimes under the Criminal Code. Some types of abuse are also offences under provincial and territorial legislation.
  • Elder abuse can take many forms, including neglect, physical, psychological or financial abuse, violation of rights, and abandonment.
  • Factors that play a role in elder abuse include gender, race, level of stress, living arrangements, level of dependence on others, and various psychological factors.
  • Elder abuse can lead to long-term physical and psychological problems, including heart attack, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and isolation.
  • Signs of elder abuse can include a sudden change in behavior or appearance, physical injuries or changes in financial resources.

Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security

Have the discussion with your loved ones. To learn more about safety issues for seniors and prevention tips, read the RCMP's Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security.

Tools and resources

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