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Crime Stoppers Looks to Eliminate Elder Abuse
June 9, 2010, Simcoe, ON - Elder abuse is an unfortunate reality in many communities and Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg wants to do its part to make sure people are educated on what they can do to help stop this serious criminal activity from occurring. June 15, 2010, is being recognized as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” and provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to recognize that many older men and women around the world experience abuse or neglect. Crime Stoppers is looking to help mark this international event by asking people to be proactive when it comes to protecting seniors.
“Crime Stoppers takes anonymous tips on any criminal activity including elder abuse,” says Gord Little, Chairperson for Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg. He continues, “Crime has no boundaries and we want people to understand that when they get involved in programs like “Seniors Crime Stoppers,” they help make communities safer for everyone including one of our fastest growing populations - seniors.”
Launched originally in 2006, Seniors Crime Stoppers is based on the philosophy that not only can seniors take advantage of the “anonymous / cash for tips” Crime Stoppers program, but the initiative also works to educate individuals on what constitutes a crime committed against seniors and encourages the general public to report incidents anonymously by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by logging onto www.helpsolvecrime.com.
A commonly accepted definition of elder abuse is "any action or inaction by any person which causes harm or threatens to cause harm to an older adult" which can be caused by a family member, friend, a caregiver, a staff member of a care facility or anyone upon whom the older person relies on for their basic needs or services. Harm can mean any physical abuse (includes sexual assault), psychological abuse, financial abuse or neglect and can occur in the home or in the community. Seniors can also be victims of thefts, scams and frauds.
The first “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” was held by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (www.cnpea.ca) at the United Nations in New York City in 2006 and has been held annually on June 15 ever since.
Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg is a community based organization which provides people with an anonymous, confidential way to relay information to investigators without ever having to get involved as a witness. The program’s toll free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) line and online webtips www.helpsolvecrime.com are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week and cash rewards up to $2000 are offered for information that leads to an arrest or charge.