Exposing the 'hidden crime'
Forum calls on communities to develop initiatives to battle elder abuse
By MELISSA DESOUSA
FOR THE WHIG-STANDARD
In 2008, the Frontenac Kingston Council on Aging provided support to 254 seniors who suffered some form of abuse.
"Elder abuse is a hidden crime," says Halton Region Det. Const. Cathie Griffin.
It is so hidden that 80% of elder abuse goes undetected, she said.
Yesterday, a number of organizations gathered at the Italo-Canadian Club in Kingston for the first March Forth Against Elder Abuse forum.
The event was designed to get communities across the southeast region to share resources and develop new initiatives to combat elder abuse.
Griffin was one of three speakers who addressed the daylong forum about the efforts that are being made to reduce the number of cases.
Judith Wahl, a Toronto lawyer, and Arlene Groh, an "elder abuse restorative justice consultant," stressed that elder abuse isn't just physical. It can be psychological and involve neglect or financial issues.
As the seniors crime investigator for Halton Regional Police Service, Griffin said she has been dealing with elder abuse for a decade. The majority of cases she sees are related to fraud.
"There is an intentional focus toward people over 65 by fraudulent door-to-door salespeople," Griffin said.
Griffin said the most important thing for people to realize is the fact that elder abuse is a problem and does exist.
"It is around us every day and it is not to be minimized," she said.
Griffin reminded seniors who are being abused to not be afraid and to remember they are in control.
"They have the ability to say no and tell someone what is happening. That is not a loss of control, but empowerment."
Abridged
SOURCE: The Kingston Whig-Standard - Kingston,Ontario,Canada
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