{"id":54139,"date":"2025-10-01T14:53:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:53:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.latraversee.qc.ca\/?p=54139"},"modified":"2026-02-24T20:21:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T20:21:47","slug":"breaking-the-silence-a-groundbreaking-project-to-support-older-adults-affected-by-sexual-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.latraversee.qc.ca\/en\/breaking-the-silence-a-groundbreaking-project-to-support-older-adults-affected-by-sexual-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking the Silence: A Groundbreaking Project to Support Older Adults Affected by Sexual Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"In this International Day of Older Persons<\/strong>, La Travers\u00e9e 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<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\n\n\n
\n\nTake part in this initiative: two anonymous questionnaires are available further down in the article. Your voice can truly help improve our practices.<\/strong>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

A hidden reality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\nIn Qu\u00e9bec 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.\n\n\n\nThe scars of sexual violence span decades<\/span><\/a>, undermining mental health, quality of life, and overall well-being.\n\n\n\nMost of these individuals have never had access to appropriate care<\/a><\/span>, 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.\n\n\n
\"Personne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A public health and social justice issue<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\nThe psychological consequences of sexual trauma do not fade with age. In fact, they can resurface or intensify over time\u2014leading to isolation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and diminished self-worth. These impacts profoundly shape daily life and well-being.\n\n\n\nAt La Travers\u00e9e, we affirm that it is never too late to to begin a healing journey<\/strong>. Older adults, just like anyone else, deserve free, specialized care tailored to their needs.\n\n\n

A project in two phases<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\nThis initiative will unfold in two complementary stages:\n\n\n
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        1. Needs assessment<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
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            1. Tools and training<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Building on these findings, La Travers\u00e9e will develop specialized training, practical tools for professionals<\/strong>, and a public awareness campaig<\/strong>n to reach those who remain under the radar and provide them with concrete resources to ease their journey.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              You can help improve our practices<\/h2>\n\n\nTo better understand the realities experienced by older adults who have lived through sexual violence \u2014 and to adapt our practices accordingly \u2014 we have created two anonymous questionnaires<\/strong>.\n\n\n\nWhether you are an older adult directly affected or a service provider working with this population, your voice is invaluable.<\/strong>\nYour responses will help us develop tools, training, and support that are more sensitive and better aligned with real needs.\n\n\n