The Saanich Police Department is proud to support and recognize that June 15, 2014 has been dedicated as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day”.
Elder abuse is a topic that is not often discussed. By spreading awareness about elder abuse and drawing attention to available resources, it is hoped that officers, as well as members of the community, will be better equipped to recognize, respond, and prevent elder abuse from occurring.
Elder abuse can come in many forms, and in any form, is wrong. Abuse can come at the hands of caregivers or family members, as well as at the hand of the elderly person themselves through self-neglect.
Abuse or neglect can appear in many forms, including financial abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, physical abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse or neglect.
The Saanich Police Department is actively involved in the community and engages with seniors groups on a regular basis. Some of the topics often discussed with seniors groups are Fraud Awareness and Senior Safety.
Training our members in the detection of Elder Abuse is important to us. There is scheduled training planned to take place later this year in the fall of 2014 which will compliment the training our members have received previously on this topic.
The Saanich Police website has numerous web pages dedicated to information for Seniors, including links to information on Elder Abuse, Senior Safety, Current Scams, Community Contacts, and the Mature Driving Program. The link to the website page for seniors is:
www.saanichpolice.ca/index.php/community-safety/seniors-information
Being the victim of a crime is always unpleasant but it can be particularly difficult for the elderly. At Saanich Police we work to recognize the concerns of the seniors in our community. We understand that we have a responsibility not only to solve crimes against seniors, but to help prevent crime and respond to senior’s needs if they are targeted as victims.
A large component of our prevention effort is dedicated to providing seniors with the information they need to recognize common or known types of crimes targeted specifically at them. We are also committed to providing information and resources to help our community deal effectively with Elder Abuse.
In addition to information that can be found on our website, further information can be found at:
It is everyone’s responsibly to watch out for and monitor the well-being of our aging population. If you observe someone who appears to be in need of help, you are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321.
Furthermore, if you are a senior, or are part of a senior’s group and would like to host a forum on Fraud Awareness, please contact the Crime Prevention Office at 250-475-4346 to schedule a meeting.
One of the initiatives of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, planned for this coming Sunday, June 15, is for people to wear the colour purple in support of the campaign. Please help us, and your community, and show your support.
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158