Facts on Psychological and Emotional Abuse of Seniors*

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Psychological abuse of seniors includes any verbal or non-verbal act that undermines their sense of dignity or self-worth and threatens their psychological well-being. Emotional abuse of seniors includes any verbal or non-verbal act that undermines a senior's sense of dignity or self-worth and threatens their emotional well-being. Any attempt to demoralize, dehumanize or intimidate older adults is abuse. Psychological and emotional abuse may include:

• shouting and bullying
• insults or name calling
• threats of violence or abandonment
• intimidation or belittling
• humiliation
• harassment
• treating an older person like a child
• ignoring the person or isolating them from his or her family, friends, or regular activities
• inappropriately infringing on their privacy

Signs of possible psychological or emotional abuse may include:

• heightened levels of upset or agitation
• unexplained feelings of hopelessness, guilt or inadequacy
• unusual withdrawal from family and friends
• discomfort or anxiety in the presence of particular people
• reluctance to speak about the situation

Abuse happens when one person hurts or mistreats another. Remember:

• Seniors are entitled to respect.
• Seniors have a right to live free from psychological and emotional abuse.
• Seniors have every right to live in safety and security.
• There is no excuse for abuse.

Additional Fact Sheets

• Facts on the Abuse of Seniors
• Facts on Physical and Sexual Abuse of Seniors*
• Facts on Financial Abuse of Seniors*
• Facts on Neglect of Seniors*

For more information, call 1 800 O-Canada
(1-800-622-6232) or visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

*Information contained in this fact sheet is sourced from the Public Health Agency of Canada, National Clearing House on Family Violence's Web site: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/nc-cn. Note that these are not legal definitions but are intended to help people working with older adults to recognize abuse of seniors.