Breaking the Silence: A Groundbreaking Project to Support Older Adults Affected by Sexual Violence

In 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 contribution from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation.

Take part in this initiative: two anonymous questionnaires are available further down in the article. Your voice can truly help improve our practices.

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, nor had a safe context in which to speak about what they experienced. 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 to begin a healing journey. 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:

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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.

You can help improve our practices

To better understand the realities experienced by older adults who have lived through sexual violence — and to adapt our practices accordingly — we have created two anonymous questionnaires. Whether you are an older adult directly affected or a service provider working with this population, your voice is invaluable. Your responses will help us develop tools, training, and support that are more sensitive and better aligned with real needs.

• • Questionnaire for older adults

• • Questionnaire for service providers

If you need support during or after the questionnaire

We understand that some questions may bring up memories or trigger difficult emotions. Please take all the time you need, and feel free to answer only the questions that feel comfortable for you. If you wish, you can leave your contact information at the end of the questionnaire so that our team can follow up with you gently. You can also contact La Traversée directly for confidential and tailored support: 450-465-5263 [email protected]

It is never too late

“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 contribution underscores a commitment to a critical issue of public health and social justice. This philanthropic contribution will help strengthen prevention, identification, and support for older adults affected by sexual violence in Québec.

Learn more

For any questions related to the project or the questionnaire, you can contact: Cloé Canivet Planning, Programming and Research Advisor 450-465-5263, ext. 116 [email protected]