Address crimes that target seniors including elder abuse and online financial scams.

What success looks like

Better protection of seniors from elder abuse, including financial abuse, and enhanced responses to crimes that target seniors.

Government's narrative on progress

Many forms of elder abuse and online financial scams are already targeted by existing offences under the *Criminal Code*. The Justice Canada Victims Fund is available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to support projects that address the needs of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system. In 2016 Justice Canada issued a call for proposals under the Victims Fund to non-governmental organizations for projects that help to address gaps in support and services, awareness raising, or research to benefit victims and survivors of crime with disabilities, including older adults with disabilities. Seven projects are currently being funded. In addition, to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a webinar that explored various approaches in Supporting and Empowering Women Victims and Survivors with Disabilities, including senior women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence. As well, the Government of Canada’s Family Violence Initiative (FVI) addresses elder abuse, including financial abuse, by providing information and resources for professionals and the public, including Elder Abuse is Wrong, a booklet for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust. In addition, on National Senior’s Day, October 1, 2018, Justice Canada hosted a web-ex to raise awareness about elder abuse and the supports available to older adult victims. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), which is jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police, provides support to senior fraud victims and works to prevent further victimization. The CAFC and the RCMPs Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement program produce a variety of resources to educate law enforcement and the public on fraud and various scams, some of which have closer linkages to seniors. The Government of Canada is implementing the Strategy, Strengthening Financial Literacy of Seniors which includes a goal to increase the number of tools to combat fraud and financial abuse of seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers resources to seniors through its Canadian Financial Literacy Database. Currently, the database offers over 150 resources targeted at seniors including material related to the prevention of fraud and financial abuse.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.