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Section 2: PREVENTION

Module 8: Risk factors

and protective factorsViolence Prevention Initiative

Respect Aging:Preventing Violence against Older Persons

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Agenda• Welcome

• Brainstorming

• Learning together:

• Risk factors and protective factors

• Small group activity

• Reporting back to whole group

• Wrap-up / Evaluation

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What is a “risk factor”?

• A risk factor is a characteristic or condition that increases a person’s risk to harm.

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4 types of risk factors

1. Personal and health-related

2. Environmental

3. Relationship

4. Societal

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Personal and health-related risk factors

• Age

• Gender

• Not knowing civil and human rights

• Ethnicity: language barriers, isolation

• Health condition

• Impaired decision-making due to health

• Addictions

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Environmental risk factors

• Hidden cash and valuables• No money• Social isolation:

• no transportation• no phone or internet• lack of contact with others • no one to turn to for help

• Living in rural regions

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Relationship risk factors• History of family violence; violence “grown old”

• Not wanting to report violence for fear of:

• making things worse

• being left without care

• Dependence on another person

• Having a dependent adult child

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Societal risk factors• Ignorance or denial

• Societal values

• Tolerance of violence

• Ageism

• Dated views on gender, family roles, and responsibilities

• Imbalances in power and control

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What is a “protective factor”?

• A protective factor is a condition or characteristic that helps people deal more effectively with stressful events and lessens risk or vulnerability to violence.

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4 types of protective factors

• Personal and health-related

• Environmental

• Relationship

• Societal

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Personal protective factors

• Good coping skills

• Knowing civil and human rights

• Safety plan in place

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Environmental protective factors

• In the community:

• Accessible transportation, community facilities and housing

• Services available in all regions

• In residential care facilities:

• Monitoring

• Policies and procedures

• Trained, capable staff

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Relationship protective factors

• Caring families• A variety of relationships, including:

• Friends• Neighbours• Volunteers• Clergy• Caregivers• Other service providers

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Societal protective factors

• Positive images of older people

• Culture of respect

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Remember:

Violence of any kind is always wrong!