Highlights

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• In 2009, more than 154,000 Canadians aged 55 or older living in the 10 provinces reported being the victim of violence in the previous 12 months. Overall, their rate of self-reported violent victimization was significantly lower than the rates reported by younger age groups.

• Fewer than 1% of Canadians 55 years or older reported being the victim of spousal violence in the 12 months preceding the survey, a figure that has remained stable since 2004.

• Just over 333,000 or 8% of Canadian households composed solely of residents aged 55 and over reported being the victim of a household crime in the previous 12 months. Overall, the rate of household victimization among older households was close to two and a half times lower than the rate reported by younger households.

• Theft of household property (31%) was the most common form of non-violent crime reported by older households, followed by break and enter (29%), vandalism (28%) and theft of motor vehicle (13%). Theft of household property was also the most common type of offence reported by younger households.

• Relatively few violent incidents against older Canadians resulted in injury to the victim (19%^{Note E: Use with caution}), and just over one-third involved the use of a weapon (35%^{Note E: Use with caution}). Comparable findings were seen among younger Canadians.

• Less than one-half (46%) of all violent incidents involving older Canadians were brought to the attention of the police; however, they were more likely to be reported to police than were violent incidents involving younger Canadians (28%).

• Violent incidents involving older Canadians were more likely to result in emotional consequences compared with incidents involving younger Canadians (91% and 79%). Feelings of anger, confusion and fear were the most common reactions reported by both groups.

• The majority (91%) of older Canadians felt satisfied with their personal safety from crime. However, feelings of satisfaction varied based on experiences of victimization, with non-victims reporting higher levels of satisfaction (91%) compared with those who had been violently victimized (83%).

• Older Canadians were less likely than younger Canadians to report having used a crime prevention method, such as changing their routine or avoiding certain places, in the 12 months preceding the survey (29% versus 43%). However, older victims were more likely than older non-victims to have used a crime prevention method (64% versus 29%).

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Note

• E use with caution