Family violence targeting seniors in Canada has reached a record high, rising 49 per cent since 2018, according to a new report from Statistics Canada.
In 2024, police reported 7,622 senior victims of family violence nationwide. The data shows that most victims were abused by their children, while about one in four experienced violence from a spouse or other family member.
Although the overall prevalence of senior victimization remains lower than other age groups, experts say the sharp increase is alarming as Canada’s senior population continues to grow.
“People who experience cognitive decline or other health-related issues are more likely to be victimized by family members,” said Alexandra Lysova, criminology professor at Simon Fraser University.
Lysova linked the rise in elder abuse to economic pressures, including high living costs and housing challenges that force more adult children to live with their parents.
“Economic issues, stress, and intergenerational dynamics all contribute to the vulnerability of seniors,” she explained.
Lysova cautioned that police-reported figures represent only “the tip of the iceberg,” since many seniors do not report abuse due to shame or fear of exposing family members.
Reports Spike in B.C.
In British Columbia, the Seniors First B.C. abuse hotline has seen a dramatic rise in calls over the past five years.
Physical abuse: up 85% (from 145 to 268 calls)
Financial abuse: up 43% (to 1,410 calls)
Emotional abuse: up 24% (to 1,420 calls)
Executive director and staff lawyer Marie-Noël Campbell said the trend is worrying but not unexpected.
“We see that month after month, physical assault and violence against older adults have been increasing since pre-COVID,” she said. “I’ve heard shocking accounts — even of children threatening to kill their parents.”
The hotline is on pace to receive nearly 8,000 calls this year, up from 5,300 in 2020.
Advocates Urge Vigilance
B.C. seniors advocate Dan Levitt said elder abuse is intertwined with ageism and societal neglect.
“One of the things we’re facing is the idea that a senior may not be as valuable to society,” Levitt said.
He urged families and caregivers to watch for behavioural changes, such as shifts in diet, finances, or social activity — warning signs that could indicate abuse.
“When we see a change in behaviour, that’s when we should talk to a senior and shine a light on the possibility they could be victims of abuse,” Levitt added.
Experts are calling for more detailed research and stronger prevention programs as elder abuse becomes a growing concern in Canada’s aging society.
