Battling Elder Abuse
By KATHLEEN HAY KHAY@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
November 20, 2009
Education and awareness are key to overcoming elder abuse, says an Ottawa crime fighter.
Speaking at the CANAA (Community Action Network Against Abuse) S, D & G/Akwesasne annual general meeting held Wednesday, Det. Christina Wolf of the Ottawa Police Service urged those gathered to neither be afraid of reporting possible issues of abuse, nor approaching those they feel might be victimized.
"You have to talk to the senior if there's a gut feeling you need to probe," said Wolf, who heads-up the service's Elder Abuse Section. "Just ask, tell them you're concerned, be as gentle as you can.
"Seniors don't readily complain about that kind of stuff so you really need to probe."
The Elder Abuse Section was established nearly five years ago. Statistics since its inception have resulted in 686 investigations, including 380 (family/community), 142 (long term care), 124 (private institutions) and 40 (home support)
Of these, there have been 76 arrests, and 678 charges laid.
"The arrests have been by and large (from) family members," said Wolf. "You'll also notice there is a disproportionate number of charges laid compared to investigations as there are people working within the industry who wreak havoc by traveling around from place to place."
Abridged
SOURCE: STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
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