January 28, 2010
The following is part of a series of informational articles aimed at increasing public awareness about the services provided by the Kamloops Victim Services Unit.
A recent national survey revealed four per cent of individuals over the age of 65 have suffered some form of abuse or neglect.
Abuse refers to an action by a person in a position of trust that causes harm to another.
Neglect is any inaction, whether intended or not, by someone in a position of trust which causes harm to an older person.
Abuse and neglect can happen to seniors of any age, gender, ability or culture.
It can take place in the home, in residential-care facilities or in public places.
Abusers may be family members, care providers or others involved in seniors’ lives.
Abuse can include being verbally abused, humiliated or threatened; forced to sign over cheques or not allowed to access their own money; pushed or handled roughly; and inappropriate sexual advances.
Elder abuse is often hidden because those being abused may be too embarrassed to report it or they may not be certain if what they are experiencing is really abuse.
They may fear retaliation from the abuser or they may simply not know with whom to discuss their concerns.
No one deserves this kind of treatment; if left unchecked, it will only get worse.
The unit offers a variety of information and services, at no cost, to any victim or witness of crime or trauma.
All unit members have received specialized, comprehensive training in victims’ issues, the criminal-justice system and crisis-intervention techniques.
The unit is located at the main police detachment at 560 Battle St.
Victim Services operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and may be accessed by calling 250-828-3223.
SOURCE: BC LOCALNEWS
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