Distress Centre Peel Programs

Peel Elder Abuse Support Program

Are you experiencing abuse? Do you suspect someone you know is being abused?

In November 2007 the Peel Elder Abuse Support Program was launched in partnership by Distress Centre Peel and Family Services of Peel. The goal of the program is to provide supports and services to those older adults in our community who are experiencing abuse. Until this service, there was nothing of the kind available in Peel. The program provides telephone support, referrals and counselling by trained senior volunteers and staff.

Our service is:
- free and confidential
- available 7days a week from noon-8pm
- offers individualized support
- links to other resources

If you are experiencing any form of elder abuse or suspect someone you know is being victimized, call 905-278-3141 Mississauga/Brampton/Town of Caledon.

Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe, live with dignity and be treated with respect.

Other Facts:
* 2-10% of older adults are the victims of some form of abuse.
* Most victims are abused by someone close to them, such as a partner, relative, friend or caregiver.
* Those who are being abused may be unwilling or unable to report it due to a number of reasons; isolation, dependency, fear, control…

“According to experts (Lach&Pillner,2004;Stas Canada,2000) it is conservatively estimated that 2-10% of older adults will experience one or more forms of abuse at some point during their senior years.”

“Using a figure of 10% for Ontario means that up to 160,000 older adults are suffering some form of abuse in this province.” (This information comes from ONPEA - Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse).

Distress Centre Peel volunteers will answer a dedicated line to offer emotional support, referrals and information on elder abuse. If you are interested in volunteering for this program, please specify so, on the enquiry form that you will find a link to on the Home page.

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Telephone Support and Crisis Intervention

Provides anonymous, non-judgmental and 
confidential listening and support as well as 
crisis intervention and resource referrals.

Peel Integrated Crisis Response Line

Provides 24-hour, toll free support for residents over
16 years old and their families in a serious mental
 health crisis.

Provides access to the 24 hour, mobile crisis response
team as required.

This program is a partnership with Distress Centre Peel, the
Saint Elizabeth Health Care and William Osler Health
Care Centre, Brampton Memorial Hospital Campus.

Ongoing Support Program

Provides emotional support and crisis, suicide and crisis
intervention for people with depression and mental illness during
periodic difficulties.

Public Education in the Community

Provides free crisis intervention training to
residents as well as Suicide Awareness workshops.  

This program is also available to community
 groups, agencies and schools.

Our staff work with other agencies to ensure 
the wellness of our community.