Glossary

In Abuse and Family Violence, Elder abuse, Health and Disability, Long‑term care

Elder abuse happens when someone limits or controls an older person’s rights and freedoms. The person often becomes afraid and thinks that they can no longer make their own choices.

Abusers are often people who the person trusts. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. It can also be abuse if a person is neglected. Neglect happens when someone agrees to provide care to an older adult but does not look after their basic needs.

All abuse is wrong and is not the fault of the person who’s abused. But not all abuse is a crime. For example, if a caregiver tells someone they’re worthless, that’s abuse, not a crime. If a caregiver hits an older adult, that’s a crime.

In Child abuse and neglect, Family Law

A child is in extended society care when they are in the care and custody of the Children’s Aid Society and they have to stay in their care until one of the following happens:

• the court changes the order
• the child turns 18
• the child gets married
• the child is adopted