Status of Women committee  May I make a comment? I think raising awareness does not mean that you've prevented the problem. People are coming forward, and you're able to intervene, but you're not—

Status of Women committee  Yes, but it doesn't mean that you've measured the extent of the problem or that you've put in interventions that do reduce the problem. I think it's a great campaign--that it's finally on the agenda of most people, or that they have some greater understanding. Because, like my colleague said, many people in general--or older people--don't even understand what elder abuse is.

Status of Women committee  I would say the first thing that needs to be done is what we've said quite clearly, and I'm sure you've heard other testimony on it: that we don't know the incidence and prevalence of elder abuse in Canada. Along with that is gathering information on risk factors, protective factors.

Status of Women committee  It's not really my area of expertise, but I would say we all recognize that the population is aging. With increasing age, especially of the very, very old, we will require more and more medical interventions. Those services need to be in place and they need to be in place in culturally appropriate ways for these specific communities.

Status of Women committee  I have a hard time saying that jail is the answer.

Status of Women committee  Yes, I guess ever. What I'm saying is looking at some of the root causes of why people are in jail, especially aboriginal people...we've just talked a lot about structural inequities and poverty, and jail may not be the answer for most people; it may be the answer for some people.

Status of Women committee  Crimes of poverty--

Status of Women committee  If I understand your question correctly, it's about how to conduct research effectively and efficiently within those communities. I think the communities themselves have to be the ones to conduct the research or to partner with researchers to enable them to conduct the research, I think because communities are most sensitive to what the issues are.

Status of Women committee  Not specifically, but I can say that the other area I do research in is homelessness. We are finding that more and more women are becoming homeless through losing a partner or losing a job. They are ending up in absolutely homeless conditions. This is really the first time we're seeing that.

Status of Women committee  Thank you. I'm very pleased to present to the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women. In my remarks today, I will examine some of the background information relevant to a study of violence against older women. I will also prioritize the voices of marginalized older women by sharing the experiences of two women, Mei and Darlene, both of whom have experienced elder abuse.