Alternate Title
Review of files from the Elder Abuse Section of the Ottawa Police Service
Une étude empirique sur la maltraitance des aînés : un examen des dossiers de la Section contre la violence à l’égard des aînés, du Service de police d’Ottawa.
Note
Cover title.
"2013"--Cover.
Issued also in French under title: Une étude empirique sur la maltraitance des aînés : un examen des dossiers de la Section contre la violence à l’égard des aînés, du Service de police d’Ottawa.
Summary
"The purpose of this study was to review case files from the Elder Abuse Section in order to
examine the extent and nature of incidents involving elderly victims that are reported to the
police. This research project also reviews the outcomes of cases from the Elder Abuse Section
involving elder abuse that move through the criminal justice system.
This study highlights the importance obtaining of data on the reasons why charges were not laid
in cases of elder abuse, and what actions police took as an alternative to charging. In many cases
charges were not laid due to a lack of evidence and/or a refusal of the victim to cooperate with
police. In addition, police files indicated that in half of cases there were barriers to the
investigations, many of which are characteristic of elder abuse cases (e.g., mental health issues,
physical disabilities). Records also indicate that police are making many referrals to communitybased
services and supports, as well as providing safety and other advice to victims."--Pages 3 and 15.
Contents
1. Background -- 1.1. Ottawa Police Elder Abuse Section -- 1.2. Purpose of study -- 1.2.1. Research questions -- 2. Methodology -- 3. Results -- 3.1. Profile of victims -- 3.2. Profile of accused -- 3.3. Characteristics of incidents -- 3.4. Characteristics of investigations -- 4. Discussion and conclusion.