Respect aging Respect Aging Preventing Violence against Older

Respect aging Respect Aging: Preventing Violence against Older Persons Section 3: INTERVENTION Module 15: Barriers and Risks in reporting violence Violence Prevention Initiative

Respect aging Agenda • Welcome • Learning • • Small together: Barriers and risks in reporting violence group activity • Reporting • Wrap-up back to whole group / Evaluation

Respect aging FACT: Most of the violence that is committed against older persons in Canada does not get reported.

Respect aging “Why won’t you tell? ”

Respect aging Barriers to reporting • Older persons, like most people who experience family violence, may be reluctant to speak up and ask for help.

Respect aging Barriers to reporting • Fear… • of more violence • of loss of affection, connection • of “what will happen to me”? • of “what will happen to him/her? ”

Respect aging Barriers to reporting • Shame, humiliation • Self-blame • Maintaining • Being family “honour” seen as weak

Respect aging Barriers to reporting • Medication • Past issues negative disclosure experience • Limited understanding about human rights • Exposure to family violence • Poverty • Communication challenges

Respect aging Cultural and language barriers • Fear of deportation • Dependency on perpetrator • Isolation • Language barriers • Cultural perceptions of violence • Mistrust of authority • Cultural values on disclosure

Respect aging Isolation as a barrier • Geographical • Few isolation resources • Privacy

Respect aging Barriers faced by witnesses and helpers • Lack of knowledge, education and training • Time • Fear • Perception of lack of power

Respect aging Reducing the Barriers: the “ 3 A’s” 1. ACTIVE listening and reassurnace 2. ASK 3. ACT

Respect aging 1. Active listening & reassurance • Create • Listen a safe environment carefully • Provide as much time as needed • Reassure • It’s – not to blame not their fault!

Respect aging 2. ASK • “What • Help do you want to do? ” with informed decisions • Provide info on: • Options • Steps in making a report • Support, resources

Respect aging 3. ACT • Act on wishes • Follow • Avoid up judgments • Provide support