Quebec senior found living in squalor had been under ex's control for decades, police say

A 78-year-old woman in Quebec's Eastern Townships was found in "unlivable" conditions and sleeping on the floor after her ex-partner allegedly controlled her life for 27 years, according to police.

At the end of February, Memphrémagog police found the woman in her home, which belonged to her and her ex-partner in Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley municipality.

Police initially entered to assist Quebec's society for the protection of animals in the removal of 13 cats, which were described as sick and dehydrated.

The authorities said that not only were the cats living in a "toxic environment" and "unacceptable conditions," but the woman was also in a "very precarious situation."

"The house was completely unstable," said Lt. Carl Pépin with Memphrémagog police.

"She was sleeping on the floor … there was no clean up made in the house for many months."

Pépin did not go into detail about the woman's physical condition, but says she had to be carried out of the home. The home also had no stove and the bathroom was unusable, according to police.

Pépin says police are bringing this case to the public's attention as a reminder of the importance of properly caring for seniors.

Ex-partner could face several charges

Although the woman's ex had not lived in the home for 27 years, police say he exercised financial and psychological control over the victim — isolating her from the outside world.

"The investigation revealed that the suspect took control of pretty much all aspects of her life and wouldn't provide her with the tools she needs to have a decent life," said Pépin.

"If you're going to be in charge or taking care of an elderly person … you have to do it properly."

The ex-partner, a 65-year-old Sherbrooke man, was arrested on March 19. Police say he could face several charges, including criminal negligence causing bodily harm, failure to provide the necessaries of life and failure to provide proper care for an animal in one's custody.

The charges have not yet been filed or tested in court. 

The man was released with conditions and on a promise to appear in court on June 12.

Police say the woman was transported to hospital and was recently placed in a residence to receive care.

Karine Barrette, a lawyer and project manager with the Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale, did not comment on this particular case, but says generally, coercive or financial control can affect people of all ages.

"Very often we tend to forget about the elderly women," said Barrette.

She says coercive control is a series of strategies used by perpetrators to isolate and often make their partner or ex-partner fear for their life or safety of loved ones. She says this can include monitoring, physical or emotional threats, humiliation and gaslighting.

"It does affect older women as well. So I think that we have to keep in mind that it can be, yes, a part of negligence toward elderly people, but it can also be in intersection with domestic violence," said Barrette. 

If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. If you're affected by family or intimate partner violence, you can look for help through crisis lines and local support services. ​​