On this International Day of Older Persons, La Traversée is launching an innovative project to better identify and support older adults who have experienced sexual violence. This initiative is made possible thanks to a vital $60,000 contribution from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation.
A hidden reality
In Québec alone, it is estimated that nearly 500,000 people aged 65 and over carry the lifelong burden of a sexual assault, often experienced in childhood.
The scars of sexual violence span decades, undermining mental health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Most of these individuals have never had access to appropriate care or even dared to break the silence. Fear, shame, and deeply rooted taboos mean that far too many remain invisible to prevention and support services.
A public health and social justice issue
The psychological consequences of sexual trauma do not fade with age. In fact, they can resurface or intensify over time—leading to isolation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and diminished self-worth. These impacts profoundly shape daily life and well-being.
At La Traversée, we affirm that it is never too late to heal. Older adults, just like anyone else, deserve free, specialized care tailored to their needs.
A project in two phases
This initiative will unfold in two complementary stages:
- Needs assessment – A collective effort to better understand the specific needs of older adults affected, as well as those of the professionals who work with them. This phase will engage community partners and provide a clear, evidence-based picture of the situation.
- Tools and training – Building on these findings, La Traversée will develop specialized training, practical tools for professionals, and a public awareness campaign to reach those who remain under the radar and provide them with concrete resources to ease their journey.
“It is never too late”, as Christine Vilcocq, gerontologist and Executive Director of La Traversée, emphasizes:
“When a child experiences violence, their vigilance becomes permanent. Decades of silence embed the trauma into the very identity of the person. And yet, it is never too late to heal: with the right support, some individuals break the silence more than 60 years later, and psychotherapy allows them to lighten that burden and improve their quality of life.”
Essential support from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation
This project is made possible through the financial support of the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation, whose $60,000 contribution underscores a commitment to a critical issue of public health and social justice.
This act of philanthropy will help break invisibility, develop concrete solutions, and improve the quality of life of older adults affected by sexual violence.