Senior Abuse

NWAC is engaged in a project exploring issues of senior abuse among Aboriginal women. This qualitative research project is intended to raise awareness and create change, building on the stories, voices and visions of older Aboriginal women. While senior abuse (also referred to as elder abuse, or the abuse of older adults) is receiving increasing attention in Canada and internationally, very little is known about the issues and impacts of senior abuse for Aboriginal seniors, particularly senior Aboriginal women.

Senior abuse may include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and spiritual abuse, financial and material abuse, neglect, and violations of rights. NWAC aims to contribute towards knowledge and resource development to help senior Aboriginal women and their communities identify and address the issues that lead to and sustain senior abuse.

The Challenge

Substantial evidence exists to demonstrate the disproportionate risk of violence and abuse experienced by Aboriginal women in Canada. However, very little is known about the presence of violence and other forms of abuse experienced by older Aboriginal women. Ensuring that we understand the issues Aboriginal women face across the lifecycle is a key to informing the research, advocacy and programming work of NWAC. In seeking to hear the stories of older Aboriginal women, their understanding and experiences of senior abuse, and their visions for change – we are also mindful is the historical role of research in the lives of Aboriginal peoples. As such, the challenge of gathering information requires us to ensure that both the process and the outcomes of the project honour the voices of the women, and are guided by Aboriginal research practices and protocols.

Grandmother Spirit Project

The Grandmother Spirit project was undertaken to raise awareness about issues of senior abuse, safety and well-being for senior Aboriginal women in Canada. The project was based in the belief that Grandmothers (senior Aboriginal women) hold tremendous life experience and wisdom that should guide the policies, programs and services that affect them.  The project set out to understand what Grandmothers knew about issues of senior abuse, but also what they felt was needed to help ensure that senior Aboriginal women are safe and well in their communities. This honours the spirit of our Grandmothers – of the roles they held prior to colonization and the need to restore recognition and respect of these roles in our communities and Canadian society today.             Read More >>

The Opportunity

Identifying and addressing issues of senior abuse is one important part of moving towards enhanced health and well-being of senior Aboriginal women, their families and communities. A vision of safety, security, family and community engagement, support, honouring and respect of older Aboriginal women will help to guide efforts to improve their life circumstances and opportunities. By honouring the wisdom and improving the lives of our Aboriginal senior women, we also improve the lives of their families, communities, Nations and broader society. As part of the project, NWAC has produced a literature review [INSERT LINK TO LITERATURE REVIEW] examining senior abuse among Aboriginal women. A policy report will also be developed as part of the project outcomes, along with resources for senior Aboriginal women and their communities. NWAC is committed to opportunities for collaboration with other projects, programs, services and government agencies, to improve the health, well-being and safety of older Aboriginal women and their communities.

Links

For more information about senior abuse and Aboriginal communities, please click here [INSERT LINK].