82.10P Abuse of the Elderly
Whereas:
It has been proven statistically that the elderly population of Canada has a substantially lower per capita income than those under the age of 65, forcing many elderly persons to live with standards below those normally accepted by the average Canadian citizen; and
Whereas:
Studies, surveys, and mandatory reporting have proven that the elderly are subject to abuse, both physical and emotional, because of their economic situation and/or physical inability to protect themselves; and
Whereas:
Several provincial governments have enacted legislation to provide for mandatory reporting of cases of adult abuse and such legislation makes it a crime for a person not to report a known case of abuse of an older person;
RESOLVED:
That the National Council of Women of Canada request Provincial Councils of Women to urge their respective governments to enact legislation, or to incorporate provisions within existing legislation to make it mandatory for witnesses of known or suspected cases of abuse of the elderly, to report these cases to the Department of Social Services or other governmental agencies for action; and be it further
RESOLVED:
To request that such legislation contain provisions for penalties in the event that such cases are not reported pursuant to legislation.