Crime prevention or reduction

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Some older adults are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of crime, while the issue of elder abuse (whether physical, or emotional, or due to neglect) is increasingly considered a challenge. Find the latest evidence on crime prevention/reduction in our resources below.

How do older adults perceive abuse?

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Older adults increasingly targeted by fraud and scams

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Are you a victim of abuse?

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23 Show All 3Blog Posts 7Evidence Summaries 13Web Resource Ratings 0Patient Decision Aids

Evidence Summary

One in seven older women is affected by different forms of abuse around the world
Trauma, Violence and Abuse (2017)
Evidence Summary

Nursing-home staff require training in detecting, examining and managing sexual assaults
Gerontologist (2017)
Evidence Summary

Financial fraud and scams among older adults is a serious concern
American Journal of Public Health (2017)
Evidence Summary

Towards a best-practice guideline to prevent abuse and neglect of older adults
Canadian Journal on Aging (2016)
Web Resource Rating

Problem gambling and crime and its costs
Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)

Gambling addiction can lead to crime, which is costly for the justice system. People with gambling problems and people doing crimes have shared risk factors. View this resource for policy proposals for reducing gambling crime.
Web Resource Rating

Environment
Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)

Having easy access to gambling venues can make you more likely to develop gambling problems. If gambling is socially acceptable in your environment or venues are attractive you might be additionally at risk. Read the resource for more information on environmental factors that affect your risk of developing gambling problems.
Web Resource Rating

Venue/casino
Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)

Gambling harm is more common in areas closer to land-based gambling venues. Environmental factors can greatly influence problem gambling. Read this resource for information on the effect of casinos on the proximal community.
Web Resource Rating

Domestic and inter-partner violence
Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)

Families, including both partner and children, of problem gamblers are more likely to experience forms of domestic violence. Studies report high correlations between domestic abuse and the harms associated with gambling. The financial losses and the emotional stresses associated with gambling are some of the causes of violence.
Web Resource Rating

Recognizing Fraud Toolkit
Alberta Council on Aging

Every year, thousands of Canadians lose money to fraud. Access this resource for a downloadable program that will teach you how to protect yourself.
Web Resource Rating

Spotting fraud and scams: How to protect yourself and safeguard your finances
211 Ontario

This resource aims to provide information on fraud, the number one crime against older Canadians. The resource is an introduction in recognizing common types of frauds and learn about the ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Evidence Summary

Engaging with older people can help policymakers create policies and programs that better prevent elder abuse
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect (2015)
Evidence Summary

There is a need for gender-sensitive health- and social-care services for aging individuals
Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services (2012)
Web Resource Rating

Understand PIN protection
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

You should never share your bank PIN with anyone. Access this resource for more information on how to protect yourself from theft.
Web Resource Rating

Identity theft
Consumer Information Canada

Identity theft is when personal information is stolen. This resource will help you stop and report identity theft.
Web Resource Rating

Debit card fraud
Consumer Information Canada

Debit card fraud happens when someone steals your bank information and takes out money without permission. Many organizations in Canada protect citizens from fraud. This resource includes tips on how to prevent it and who to contact in case it happens.
Web Resource Rating

Misleading advertising
Consumer Information Canada

Internet scams are becoming more elaborate and prevalent. Read this resource for information on how to protect yourself and identify online scams.
Web Resource Rating

Substance use
Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)

Substance use and gambling are highly correlated. They often interact and progress the severity of each other. Intervention may be necessary to treat these addictions.
Web Resource Rating

Know how to respond safely
Government of Canada - Status of Women Canada

Read this resource to learn how to respond to abusive actions. Speaking out, offering your assistance and calling 911 if necessary are some examples.
Web Resource Rating

Mortgage Fraud
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

In Canada, seniors are most often the victims of fraud and financial abuse. Use this resource to learn about how to recognize, protect yourself against, and report these crimes.
Blog Post

A safe place: Fostering older adults’ sense of security

Fear of crime is associated with negative effects on health and well-being, regardless of age. This fear can be amplified among older adults who are vulnerable, frail, socially isolated, and who no longer benefit from the same family and community support. Discover what the research tells us about strategies to reduce crime and reduce the fear of crime in your community.
Evidence Summary

Roughly 141 million older adults are affected by elder abuse, but it remains a neglected policy priority

Lancet Global Health (2017)
Blog Post

Older adults increasingly targeted by fraud and scams

Financial fraud targeted at the aging population is a serious problem with both monetary and health-related consequences that is likely to continue escalating. Without development of prevention efforts, it’s estimated that the number of cases could nearly double in the next two to three decades.
Blog Post

Are you a victim of abuse?

Abuse and neglect of older adults can take many forms, but abuse cases are rarely reported. We need more robust strategies to identify, evaluate and respond to elder abuse.

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