Respect aging Section 1: RECOGNITION Module 4: Gender dynamics of violence against older persons Violence Prevention Initiative Respect Aging: Preventing Violence against Older Persons

Respect aging Agenda Welcome Brainstorming Learning together: Gender dynamics of violence against older persons Small group activity Reporting back to whole group Wrap-up / Evaluation

Respect aging Gender and violence Most victims of violence are women. Most perpetrators of violence are men.

Respect aging ~8,500 Canadians 65yrs+ were the victim of a violent crime (2011) 34% were victimized by family 1 in 5 were victimized by an acquaintance 27% were victimized by a stranger A grown child was 1.5 times higher than a spouse to victimize an older person More older females victimized by a spouse than older males. Perpetrators…

Respect aging Victims… Older women: majority of victims of sexual /physical violence higher rates of family violence more likely to be victimized by spouse, ex-spouse or adult child Older men: higher rate of reported violent crime more likely to be victimized by a person outside the family

Respect aging Gender and ageism Ageism: negative stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination against older people based on age older persons seen as weak, dependent a factor in gender violence against older persons Adult sons: power based on gender and on not being old Older persons tend to be harmed by adult sons

Respect aging Older female victims of violence Murdered  by spouse or son Emotionally or financially abused Family homicide doubled Poverty Live longer More chronic disease Greater risk of injury from violence

Respect aging Older male victims of violence ~40% of all older victims of violence (2011) Murdered  by son Victimized by an acquaintance or stranger

1 2 3