Vancouver, B.C. (June 15, 2019): Today is “World Elder Abuse Day”, a reminder to all of us that too many senior citizens – who often depend on others as they grow older – become the victims of elder abuse, frequently at the hands of friends or family.
- It’s estimated one in every ten seniors in Canada experiences some form of abuse.
- Many don’t think of it as a crime, but that’s exactly what it is – and anyone with information is urged to anonymously report cases of elder abuse to Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers’ (MVCS) tips line.
- Earlier this year, Crime Stoppers launched a new elder abuse awareness program called “See Something, Say Something”, a free presentation given at locations wherever seniors may gather in the Lower Mainland.
- Crime Stoppers has been working to schedule presentation sessions around the Lower Mainland with the support of BC Care Providers Association as well as individual retirement home operators, regional community centres, strata councils, municipalities and seniors’ groups.
- Anyone wishing to contact Crime Stoppers and book one of these elder abuse prevention presentations will find information at Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers’ website.
“Abuse of elderly people is one of the most underreported crimes in our society. It might go unreported due to embarrassment, fear of retaliation, or an unwillingness to get a family member in trouble,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers.
“A further complicating factor is that Metro Vancouver is home to many immigrant families. Language and cultural barriers might prevent some elderly immigrants from reporting abuse if they don’t speak English or French well. Crime Stoppers’ tips line can help with operators who speak more than 100 languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese.”
“Anyone who knows of an elderly person who is being coerced financially, physically or psychologically abused, or being kept from their most basic rights and freedoms may need help,” says Daniel Fontaine, CEO of BC Care Providers Association which represents more than 340 long-term care, assisted living, home care, home support, and commercial members in B.C. “We’re proud to support Crime Stoppers’ program of awareness and encourage anyone with information to call the police or provide information anonymously to call the Crime Stoppers tips line.”
About Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers is a non-profit society and registered charity that offers rewards for anonymous tip information about criminal activity and provides it to investigators in the communities of Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. People can leave anonymous tips in a variety of ways including Crime Stoppers’ new “P3” app downloadable for Apple and Android phones, calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at solvecrime.ca, or by following the link on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of a criminal, recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs or guns or denial of a fraudulent insurance claim. Tipsters stay anonymous by using code numbers to check back later and collect their rewards. solvecrime.ca.
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Trevor Pancoust
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604-646-3567
