A new report from Statistics Canada reveals that incidents of family violence against seniors in Canada have reached an unprecedented level.
The frequency of such violence has surged by 49 percent since 2018, as stated in the StatsCan report.
In the previous year, the primary offenders against senior victims were often their own children, while approximately 25 percent faced violence from a spouse or other relatives.
Nationwide, there were 7,622 reported cases of family violence involving seniors in 2024.
The latest national report shows a dramatic rise in family violence against seniors in Canada. Experts in British Columbia indicate that the severity of these abusive incidents is also intensifying. CBC’s Janella Hamilton investigates the reasons behind this trend.
Alexandra Lysova, a criminology professor at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C., expressed concern over the rise in elder abuse, although she emphasized that the overall victimization rate among seniors is lower than that of younger age groups.
Despite seniors being less susceptible to abuse in family settings compared to younger relatives, Lysova asserted that elder abuse is a significant issue, particularly as the population of individuals aged over 65 continues to expand.
Lysova identified cognitive decline and physical frailty as significant risk factors for older adults.
“Individuals experiencing various health challenges are at a greater risk of being victimized by family members,” she noted.
Alexandra Lysova, a criminology professor at Simon Fraser University, is pictured in her office in Burnaby, B.C., on November 2, 2025. (Janella Hamilton/CBC)
She explained that economic pressures and housing costs may hinder adult children from relocating out of their parents’ homes, contributing to elder abuse.
“Economic challenges, stress levels, and the dynamics of intergenerational communication may all contribute to the vulnerability of seniors in Canada,” she elaborated.
Lysova also pointed out that the data reported by police does not encompass all instances of abuse that take place.
“What we are observing is merely the tip of the iceberg,” she remarked, noting that many individuals do not report incidents due to not perceiving them as serious or feeling ashamed of their experiences.
“Furthermore, when it involves family members, there is often reluctance to name them as potential abusers,” she added.
She also mentioned that changes in how police document incidents of violence against seniors since 2018 could be a factor in the reported increase.
Lysova hopes future StatsCan reports will focus specifically on violence against seniors, providing insight into the context of these incidents.
B.C. hotline experiences surge
In British Columbia, the Seniors First B.C. hotline for elder abuse has reported an 85 percent increase in calls related to physical abuse since 2019, rising from 145 to 268 calls, as noted by executive director and staff attorney Marie-Noël Campbell.
Calls regarding financial abuse increased by 43 percent, totaling 1,410 calls, while those related to emotional or psychological abuse saw a 24 percent rise to 1,420 calls.
Campbell expressed that the recent StatsCan findings are troubling but expected.
“We observe a consistent trend of rising physical assaults and violence against older adults since before the COVID pandemic,” Campbell said, noting that violence can manifest as aggressive handling or forceful grabbing.
“I have heard alarming stories of children expressing a desire to harm their parents,” she recounted.
The hotline recorded approximately 5,300 calls in 2020, and this year is projected to approach 8,000, according to Campbell.
Be vigilant: advocate
Dan Levitt, the seniors advocate in B.C., acknowledged the increasing prevalence of elder abuse.
“A significant challenge we face in society is ageism,” Levitt stated. “There exists a perception that seniors might not hold the same value in our society as others.”
B.C. seniors advocate Dan Levitt highlights that ageism is a societal issue that can influence perceptions of elder abuse. (Mike McArthur/CBC)
He emphasized that seniors may hesitate to discuss instances of abuse, so family members should be alert to signs of lifestyle changes. These may include alterations in diet, changes in financial management, or increased social withdrawal.
“When we observe a shift in behavior, it is essential to engage with seniors and examine the possibility that they may be victims of elder abuse,” he advised.