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Section 1: RECOGNITION

Module 2: Indicators of violence

Violence Prevention Initiative

Respect Aging:Preventing Violence against Older Persons

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Agenda• Welcome• Learning together:

• Indicators of violence of older persons• Small group activity • Reporting back to whole group• Wrap-up / Evaluation

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HOW MANY LEGS?

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Indicators of physical violence

• Physical indicators

• Behavioural indicators

• Medication abuse

• Excessive restraint use

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Indicators of psychological violence, emotional violence,

verbal abuse• Crying, depression, sadness

• Reports of hopelessness, helplessness

• Fearful around a certain person

• What else?

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Indicators of sexual violence

• Pain, bleeding in vaginal/rectal area

• Bloody, stained or torn underwear

• Sexually transmitted infection

• Upset around a certain person

• What else?

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Indicators of financial abuse

• No money for necessities

• Poor living conditions despite adequate funds

• Unexplained or sudden:

• withdrawal of money from accounts

• transfer of assets to others

• What else?

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Indicators of neglect• Unexplained weight loss

• Body odour, lice, urine burns

• Lack of medical aids (hearing aids, dentures, cane, glasses, walker)

• Little or no food in the home

• What else?

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Indicators of spiritual violence

• Forced to attend religious service

• Forced to eat foods not permitted by religion (for example: pork, beef)

• Spouse will not grant divorce

• What else?

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Indicators of cultural violence• Denied access to traditional healers

• Denied cultural foods even when available

• Not allowed to take part in cultural events or celebrations

• What else?

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ALERT ! ! ! Possible signs of violence

• Report of being injured or harmed• Unexplained injuries• Lack of food, water, utilities• Sudden drop in cash, assets• Fear of a certain person• What else?

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ALERT ! ! !Possible indicators of violence

by a significant other

• Gives conflicting reports• Has history of substance abuse, criminal acts, family violence

• Does not allow visitors• Will not cooperate with care providers• What else?