Message from the CEO
As March unfolds and we begin to sense the arrival of spring, I’m reminded that this season carries with it a quiet promise of renewal, possibility, and the chance of new beginnings.
In this month’s e-Newsletter, we turn our attention to Fraud Prevention Month, highlighting cyber security awareness, an issue that is no longer on the margins. Older adults are increasingly navigating digital spaces and with that come new risks. Protecting seniors from fraud and online harm is not only about security, it is about preserving independence, confidence, and peace of mind.
March marks International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the experiences of older women, who often face layered forms of discrimination, including ageism, which deepens the vulnerability to abuse and exclusion. Their rights, voices, and experiences must remain visible and valued in every space where decisions are made and advancing those rights must remain central to our work.
Spring asks us to look forward (not just moving the dials on the clock) but really look forward to the road ahead empowered and confident. As older adults we should be able to do the same, with dignity, with respect, and with the assurance that we are surrounded by communities that recognize the ongoing contributions and inherent worth of lived experiences.
At EAPO, we believe that aging should not be something to endure, but something to live fully, safely, and with purpose. Together, we can continue shaping that future and the future of aging overall.
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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In recognition of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week join 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 on May 12, 2026 from 1pm to 4 pm (ET).
This event will examine how older people experience coercive control, a pattern of abusive behaviour that uses intimidation, isolation and control to strip victims of their autonomy, psychological well-being and sense of safety.
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.Secure your spot today.
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Legal Dimensions of Elder Abuse in Ontario:
Strengthening Access to Justice and Protections for Older Victims
May 14th | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm (ET)
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In recognition of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, join EAPO for our Virtual Symposium to raise public awareness of the legal rights and protections in place for older adults and build service providers’ capacity to understand the justice and victim services and programs to better navigate and respond, to support victims of elder abuse
The Symposium aims to share insights of survivor’s experiences and unique challenges seeking justice support and learn to integrate their perspectives for systemic changes, to improve older adult victim access to legal support and services.
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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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Older Adult Risk Assessment Training
May 26 & 28 9:00 AM - 12 PM &
May 29th 9:00 AM - 1 PM
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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 initimate 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 assesing 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 faciliate 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 reponse and intervention in cases of abuse.
ONLY 45 space available to faciliate interactive learning - So Register Early!
Read full training details
| | | Conference Resources and Recordings | | | | |
EAPO would like to thank everyone who joined us for virtual conference,“Out of the Margins: Shining a Spotlight on GBV Against Older Adults” on March 4th.
This educational event brought over 575 seniors, community-based senior serving (CBSS) agencies, government, justice and financial partners from across Canada together to learn from key experts on GBV of older adults.
If you missed the event or would like to watch the recordings and discussions or view the presentations and resources shared by the speakers, simply click the link below to access all the files.
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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! | | |
Season 2 of EAPO's Podcast,
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.
Recent Episodes:
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
| | | | March Awareness Days & Weeks | | Fraud Prevention Month to bring hidden crime into the spotlight ! | |
Fraud Prevention Month to bring hidden crime into the spotlight
Fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, but it often goes unnoticed and unreported - hidden behind convincing technology or in everyday online interactions, or crossing international borders.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) Canadians lost over $704 million to fraud in 2025, with reported losses since 2022 now surpassing $2.4 billion. These losses represent only a fraction of the harm, because only 5% to 10% of frauds are reported.
Read Full Press Release
| | If you or someone you know has experienced a fraud, contact your local police and report online at the Report Cybercrime and Fraud website or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.
You should still report the incident even if there was no financial loss. | | NEW Articles, Reports, Resources, Blogs | | | | |
Australia's National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026-2036
Aims to protect human rights, improve data collection, and provide specialist services.
Read/Download Strategy
| | | 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 now accepting nominations for the Ontario Senior Achievement Award!
Eligibility: The person you nominate (the nominee) must have contributed to the community after the age of 65 and be a resident of Ontario. The deadline for Nominations is Oct. 1st
Seniors who qualify for this award may have contributed to many different fields such as the arts, literature, community service, volunteering, education, environment, fitness, and humanitarian activities.
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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