Message from the CEO
April Showers Bring May Flowers
As we look ahead to warmer days—hopefully without any more surprise snow—we are reminded that even in uncertain seasons, new growth will always emerge. The first blossoms of spring signal what we are all hoping for- brighter days on the horizon.
Yet, as we continue to navigate a world that feels unsettled—where global pressures are shaping local realities and those once deemed basic necessities, are becoming luxury items, increasingly unaffordable—it is more important than ever that we hold onto what defines us as a society: our humanity, our civility, and our care for one another.
Across families, communities, and generations, we must continue to show up for each other striving for justice, a better quality of life, and meaningful relationships. At the heart of this effort are the values that guide a just society—compassion, respect, and dignity for people of all ages.
At EAPO we continue to move forward—steadily and with purpose—to support those most vulnerable. We work alongside individuals and communities to address abuse, neglect, and harm, particularly in situations where there is an expectation of trust. At the same time, we remain committed to changing the narrative around ageism and reminding ourselves—and each other—that we must do better as a society.
Canadian NGOs and citizens, are working in tandem with many global partners to advance human rights, by advocating for and collectively pursuing a UN convention on the Rights of Older Persons. We know that achieving this vision requires awareness, education, and shared responsibility. Understanding the rights that must be afforded to all citizens is foundational to meaningful change.
EAPO has been honoured to contribute to national conversations through testimony to the House of Commons' Standing Committees on Justice and Human Rights (April 22, 2026)—on Bill C-16 and coercive control—and the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (April 28, 2026), focusing on the financial vulnerability of older women.
We are deeply grateful to our community partners across Canada who collaborate with us daily, to deliver high-quality educational opportunities—from webinars and conferences to podcasts and community outreach. Whether we are speaking with older adults at local events or engaging audiences across the country, our commitment remains the same: to listen, to learn, and to help where we can, within our means.
We hope you enjoy this issue of our e-newsletter. Your feedback and insights are always welcome as we continue to grow and improve together.
Marta Hajek
CEO
| | Upcoming Virtual Symposiums | | |
Restoring Dignity:
Addressing Coercive Control of Older Adults in Canada
May 12th, 2026
1 pm - 4 pm ET
10 am - 1 pm (PT)
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CNPEA, in partnership with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and Dementia Justice Canada, will be hosting a free online symposium focused on coercive control of older people.
In an effort to fill knowledge gaps about coercive control of older people, CNPEA will convene experts in elder abuse prevention, justice professionals, community-based seniors’ services, and other experts to bring an informed pan-Canadian perspective, share knowledge, highlight opportunities to collaborate and increase our capacity for collective impact.
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Legal Dimensions of
Elder Abuse in Ontario:
Strengthening Access to Justice and Protections for Older Victims
May 14th, 2026
9:30 am - 2:30 pm (ET)
| Join EAPO's Virtual Symposium that aims to raise public awareness of the legal rights and protections in place for older adults and build seniors, caregivers and service providers’ capacity to understand the justice and victim services and legislation to better navigate and respond, to support victims of elder abuse. | | | |
There no charge to attend these events, but pre-registration is required.
Attend the full symposium or attend anytime throught the event.
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Coercive Control and Elder Abuse
Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act
Legislative Developments
Bill C-16, proposes to create a new offence that prohibits engaging in a pattern of coercive or controlling conduct toward an intimate partner. The bill passed second reading on February 2, 2026 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for study.
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To learn about the action the Elder Justice Coalition is taking to enact broader coercive control offences to protect elder abuse victims visit: www.dementiajustice.ca/coercive-control.html
Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights
Witness testimonies began March 23, 2026.
EAPO's testimony by Marta Hajek, CEO can be viewed here (timestamp 17:50).
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Older Adult Risk Assessment Training Course
May 26th & 28th 9:00 AM - 12 PM &
May 29th 9:00 AM - 1 PM
**ONLY 10 spaces left **
So Register Early!
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Recently, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario released their Domestic Violence Death Review Committee 2022-2023 Annual Report that stated as the population in Ontario ages, it is critical the risk for IPV and intimate partner homicide be considered and assessed in all service engagements with older adults and aging couples regardless of IPV history.
One of their key recommendations was to develop specific training programs for service providers on identifying risk factors and engaging in risk assessment and management for older adults. Having a common approach to assessment and language in assessing risk is important.
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In follow-up to this recommendation, EAPO is continuing to offer its "Harm to Older Persons Evaluation" (HOPE) Risk Assessment Training Course in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Storey, a Forensic Psychologist, specializing in violence risk assessment and interpersonal violence.
Dr. Storey, author of HOPE, will facilitate engaging and interactive training sessions to provide trainees the skills and tools for assessing risk of older adults and perpetrators, as well as building capacity for response and intervention in cases of abuse.
Read full training details
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026
"Be Bold : Age with Attitude"
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day National Virtual Event (WEAAD)
This year, we celebrate 20th anniversary of WEAAD!
Plan to join us on June 10th, 2026 from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm (ET) as EAPO joins communities across the globe to heighten awareness of the impacts eder abuse has on the quality of life of this fastest growing demographic.
WEAAD underlines the importance of each of us, taking responsibility for helping prevent elder abuse. It promotes a better understanding of how cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affect this complex societal issue.
Speaker details are coming soon!
Register Early to reserve your spot!
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Help Promote World Elder Abuse Awareness Day !
EAPO has resources available to help you plan and promote WEAAD 2026.
Check out EAPO's website for downloadable promotional materials, including WEAAD logos, social media banners, a proclamation, certificate and customizable templates! More tools will be added soon!
Available in English and French.
#BeBold
#AgeWithAttitude
#WEAAD2026
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Podcast - Aging Vibrantly: Conversations to Empower Seniors
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Listen or watch episodes on iTunes, Spotify or Youtube or wherever you listen to your podcasts! | | |
Aging Vibrantly: Conversations to Empower Seniors
Each episode amplifies the voice of a senior leader(s) who imparts their expertise and wisdom, to enhance our understanding of aging issues, living fulfilling, safe lives, with respect and dignity.
We are excited to launch Season 3 in June 2026
Season 2 recent episodes:
EP 22 : Stitching Stories: An Anishinaabek View on Aging Well
EP 21 : Libraries : A Community Hub for Older Adults
EP 20 : Men’s Sheds Canada: Community Friendships and Connections
EP 18 & 19 : Dementia in Canada: Awareness, Risks and Reality: Part 1 and 2
EP 17 : WISE- Age-Inclusive Workplaces
| | | | April Awareness Days & Weeks | | NEW Articles, Books, Resources, Blogs | | |
It’s Not Your Fault: Empowerment After Financial Fraud.
Info Sheet for Older Adults and Care Partners (CCMSH)
Read and Download
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Supporting Older Adults Affected by Financial Fraud: Guidance for Health Care Practitioners and Allies (CCMSH)
Read and Download
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National Volunteer Week April 19 - 25
Ignite Volunteerism:
A year-long, nation-building
celebration.
Read Blog
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Aura Freedom presents Headlines & Harm: Reframing Media Coverage of Gender-Based Violence
May 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Parkdale Hall,
1605 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
An in-person industry event dedicated to strengthening how gender-based violence (GBV) is reported - accurately, safely, and with meaningful context.
Register to attend the event for an honest, practical, and compassionate dialogue on how gender-based violence is reported, where coverage can cause harm, and how transformative reporting can actually prevent violence. Together, we'll unpack real examples, challenge assumptions, and share tools for more accurate, responsible reporting.
The evening will feature a panel with prominent journalists, including Elizabeth Renzetti, Samira Mohyeddin and Ann Rauhala.
Seats are limited! REGISTER NOW
| | Ontario Senior Achievement Award | |
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Do you know an older adult who has significantly
contributed to their community?
The Ontario Government is accepting nominations for the Ontario Senior Achievement Award !
The deadline for Nominations is Oct. 1st
Full details available on the Nominational Portal
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Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario | www.eapon.ca
416-916-6728 | Toll-Free: 1-833-916-6728
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