Why 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors are more vulnerable to abuse

The Government of Canada estimates that between four and 10 per cent of older adults in Canada are abused, and only one in five incidents is brought to the attention of those who can help. But due to gaps in data and research, it’s difficult to estimate not only what percentage of older adults are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but how many are among the abused.

Shannon Paul-Jost, clinical nurse specialist, Gerontology, notes that 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors trying to seek help in abusive situations may have legitimate fears and anxiety.

“It’s important to recognize and acknowledge what the 2SLBGTQIA+ community has endured and has had to overcome significant challenges over their lifetime,” says Shannon. “Legitimate fear or anxiety may persist, preventing individuals from speaking up and asking for help when in an abusive situation.”

Abuse can happen to anyone, but sometimes can be hard to recognize and to accept. Abuse can start in small ways and escalate over time, and there are different types of adult abuse and neglect.

Abuse can be defined as someone using their power, ability, authority or influence to limit or control another’s rights and freedoms, and can include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional/psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect and self-neglect
• Financial abuse and/or exploitation

Older adults and seniors are more vulnerable to abuse due to life changes, such as:

• Dependency on others
• Isolation from family
• Disabilities, both physical and cognitive
• Depression and other mental health issues
• Language and cultural barriers
• Isolation
• Substance use
• Past history of family violence

Social isolation of seniors: A focus on LGBTQ seniors in Canada (Government of Canada)

2SLGBTQIA+ seniors are at even greater risk of abuse, due to a variety of unique factors.

• Significantly fewer support networks compared to those of the general population
• Lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming aging service
• Twice as likely to age as a single person, and twice as likely to live alone
• Four times as likely not to have children
• Many have experienced rejection from their families

Jen Marchbank, a professor in Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies (GSWS), is leading research to end violence against 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors. 

“Queer elders have lived through a time when being queer was a crime and was pathologized, and have experienced constant slights, meaning that for many they come to expect to be treated badly,” explains Jen.     

Some abuse is overt—hitting, yelling, stealing—but some abuse can also feel difficult to articulate or pin down. You might feel threatened, numb, silenced, helpless, trapped and that that you can’t do anything right. Your body may be telling you, “Something doesn’t feel right,” such as a racing heart, upset stomach, a fluttery feeling, pressure or tingling.

You might:

• Feel depressed
• Notice changes in your behaviour
• Be having trouble with sleep
• Feel increased fear or anxiety
• Feel isolated from family and friends
• Withdraw from your normal activities

2SLGBTQIA+ relationships experience the same abuse as heterosexual/cisgender relationships. Abuse specific to this community might look like a partner:

• Threatening to “out” you
• Directing homophobic/biphobic/transphobic slurs towards you
• Limiting your access to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
• Intentionally using the wrong pronouns
• Controlling gender expression

If you’re concerned you’re being abused, help is available.

As a designated agency, Interior Health has responders who can investigate reports of abuse. Anyone can report suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect by completing a form or calling 1-844-870-4754.

You can also reach out to:

• The Seniors Abuse and Information Line(SAIL)
• Your local Community Response Network
• VictimLinkBC
• Public Guardian and Trustee of BC (for financial abuse)

2SLGBTQIA+ seniors in care can face unique challenges. They are often presumed to be heterosexual. Other residents in care may have grown up in decades when only heterosexual relationships were acceptable, and may act uncomfortable, or worse, abusive towards them. Couples in same-sex relationships may be separated, and transgender folks may be forced into male or female wings.

“Health-care professionals must be mindful of past health-care legislation and policies that stigmatized this group, creating significant long-lasting harmful impacts,” says Shannon. “As a health-care professional, it’s on me to demonstrate compassion and provide a safe space for individuals to come forward to ask for help.”

Health-care professionals can explore these resources:

• Intimate partner violence in LGBT2SQ+ communities (Ending Violence BC)
• Addressing Domestic Violence in LGBT2SQ+ Communities Across BC (Ending Violence BC)
• Elder Abuse Ontario LGBTQ Abuse Module (Our Spectrum)
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Older Adults’ Experiences with Elder Abuse and Neglect (National Institute of Health)
• Mistreatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Elders (National Center on Elder Abuse)
• LGBTQ+ Elders Day Resource Guide (LGBT Aging Center)
• Preventing LGBTQ+ Elder Abuse (LGBT Aging Center)

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