Victimization of seniors is often invisible to most of us and can occur at any time. That’s why both Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers and the Vancouver Police Foundation each host their own series of free, interactive seminars year-round aimed at making sure seniors know how to avoid becoming a victim, and how to report crime ANONYMOUSLY.
These two seminar programs, administered individually by VPD and Crime Stoppers, vary somewhat in format, but each aims to provide crucial information that seniors and their caregivers need.
With the Canada Safety Council marking National Senior Safety Week each November, the public is invited to watch for ads or check the Vancouver Police Foundation website for upcoming seminars on senior scams, such as a recent one November 6th at the Italian Cultural Centre that drew more than 100 people. Registration information for upcoming seminars is available at vancouverpolicefoundation.org/scamprevention.
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers also presents its own crime and seniors abuse awareness presentation “See Something, Say Something” by invitation to retirement homes, community centres, strata councils, any safe location in the Lower Mainland where seniors may gather, to let them know they don’t have to suffer in silence. Requests to book this seminar may be placed though the Crime Stoppers website www.solvecrime.ca.
The Need
Financial abuse, scams, cybercrime, and emotional/psychological abuse are among the most commonly reported offenses against the elderly. Sadly, a senior may experience more than one type of exploitation which may also include physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Abuse of elderly people is one of the most underreported crimes in Canada, and the World Health Organization has estimated one in every six seniors over the age of 60 experiences abuse or neglect.
“Elder abuse and fraud often go unseen until it’s too late”, said Sergeant Rita Raj of the Vancouver Police Department. “Our goal is to empower seniors with knowledge and confidence to recognize red flags, trust their instincts, and know where to turn for help. By sharing real examples and practical steps, we’re helping protect those who built our communities.”
Crime Stoppers emphasizes everyone who provides tips about elder abuse, or any other crime, will remain ANONYMOUS. “Our Crime Stoppers presentation is mainly about making sure seniors understand they do have an option when it comes to reporting elder abuse and other crimes,” said Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Abuse of seniors is a form of violence against some of our most vulnerable citizens. It’s a cowardly act that goes unreported much too often.
“Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers is also sensitive to the fact that language and cultural barriers can hinder older immigrant adults from reporting abuse,” Annis added. “Crime Stoppers has operators who accept tips around the clock in 115 languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese. You don’t have to speak English or French to get help.”
About Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers is a non-profit society and registered charity that receives anonymous tip information about criminal activity and provides it to investigators. Anonymous tips may be provided through Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” app 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 accepts tips in 115 different languages and will pay a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest, a charge, recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs or guns, or denial of a fraudulent insurance claim. Find MVCS on (Twitter): @solvecrime, Instagram: metrovancouvercrimestoppersand You Tube: @metrovancouvercrimestoppers.
