Advancing Older Adults’ Safety in Durham Region: Connecting Research and Response

Abuse of older adults remains a deeply hidden challenge, but through shared knowledge and collaborative action, we can build a safer community. Whether you are an older adult looking to safeguard your peers, a student researching social trends, or a professional working on the frontlines, your voice matters.

This interactive forum brings together local experts, community partners, and community members across Durham Region to bridge the gap between current research and real-world, local response. Together, we will uncover how to recognize the subtle signs of abuse, explore the latest academic data, and strengthen our collective network of support.

This in-person and online event is a collaboration between the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at Ontario Tech University and Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO).

Light refreshments will be provided.

BIOS

Morgan Denby is a Community Support Specialist with the Region of Durham's Family Services Division, bringing over 10 years of experience in social services, with expertise in case management, service coordination, community outreach, and system navigation. In her current role, she supports older adults, families, and care providers. Morgan also developed the Guide to Community Resources for Seniors and Older Adults to improve awareness of and access to support services. She is currently completing a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Windsor and enjoys spending time outdoors, and visiting her family cottage.

A nationally recognized leader in protecting seniors from fraud, abuse, and financial exploitation, Martin Franssen spent 27 years with Durham Regional Police Service, served as an engineering officer in the regular component of the Canadian Army, represented Canada on NATO missions abroad, and has educated thousands of residents while training police, financial institutions, and community organizations across Ontario.

Jennifer Josephson has been with the Brock Community Health Centre (Brock CHC) for over 19 years serving as the Seniors and Community Health Worker within the community development health promotion team, providing resources and support to older adults in the North Durham Region. During her time at Brock CHC she has chaired the Durham Elder Abuse Network for over 15 years… DEAN as it is more commonly known, which provides education and advocacy to the Region of Durham on issues related to elder abuse and seniors safety. Collaboration , building community partnerships and breaking down silos is a passion of Jennifer and she is a firm believer that we all have a role to play in ensuring older adults live with dignity, respect and nothing less.

Ashu Kito is a master’s student in Criminology at Ontario Tech University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology (Criminology) from MacEwan University. Her current research examines Black female youth perceptions and experiences with policing in the Prairies.

Kim Lepine is the Executive Director of the Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ (OSCC55+), bringing extensive leadership experience from senior roles with Durham Community Health Centre, Community Care Durham, and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, specializing in Leadership in Learning, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Social Services Worker Diploma with a concentration in Gerontology.

Raeann Rideout is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO), where she advances collaborative initiatives to protect the rights of older adults and prevent harm and neglect. A member of the EAPO team for over 23 years, she brings deep expertise in aging, elder abuse prevention, gender-based violence, and ageism, with a strong focus on multi-sectoral collaboration to drive social change. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Physical Education from Brock University, and a BA from McMaster University.

Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at Ontario Tech University. Recognized nationally for her contributions to research and public advocacy, earning honors including the Doris Anderson Award (Chatelaine), the Orville Thacker Award (Ontario Health Coalition), and KITE-UHN's Paper of the Year Award.