Chilliwack, BC – “What can we do to stop elder abuse?” is a question often asked of Darlene Wahlstrom, coordinator of Chilliwack Victim Services and Michelle Wulff from Chilliwack Crime Prevention Services. Their answer is prevention through education.
Monday June 15th is designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and staff from Chilliwack Victim Services is at a kiosk hosted by Community Response Network from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Walmart in Eagle Landing to provide information on how to recognize and what to do if anyone suspects an elder is a victim of abuse.
Abuse may take the form of financial, physical, sexual, or psychological and often warning signs are not recognized.
A sudden change in wills, unusual bank with drawls, a person rarely seen in the neighbourhood, frightened of certain family members or care givers, unexplained injuries, or declining health can be clues to abuse.
“Sadly we see abuse of our elders around us all of the time and it is heart breaking to know in many instances it is not reported” said Darlene Wahlstrom.
For more information on the topic of elder abuse as well as other crime prevention programs contact Chilliwack Crime Prevention Services at 604-393-3000 or stop by the office located at 45877 Wellington Avenue.
“Abuse is a ‘silent’ crime that can often be prevented by simply telling someone about it. Police take this crime seriously and encourage everyone to contact us if you suspect a senior is being abused” said Cpl. Mike Rail.
As always, police would like to remind everyone to report any suspicious activity to the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611 or, should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 FREE (TIPS).
