Seniors Program

Current statistics are evidence that by the year 2026, seniors will represent 25% of Canada’s population, and up to 30% of the population by year 2030. London-Elgin-Middlesex Crime Stoppers supports seniors now and will continue to grow programs in response to these changing demographics.

If you know of a senior that is a victim of financial, physical or psychological abuse or neglect, contact police if it’s an emergency or Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers can provide a presentation for your community group to assist you to recognize the signs of seniors abuse and how Crime Stoppers can help. Contact us by simply clicking on the "Contact Us" tab on this website, and we will book a short presentation for your group.

Here are some quick reference facts on senior abuse:

Elder abuse is “any action or inaction by any person that causes harm or threatens to cause harm to an older adult.”

It can include Physical and/or Sexual Assaults such as hitting, shoving, grabbing, over- medicating, or confinement in a room. Any physical assault may involve touching for a sexual purpose. Examples of psychological abuse include frightening, humiliating and bullying. It may be used in conjunction with any of the other types of abuse. However, this behaviour in itself may not lead to criminal charges.

Financial abuse is a common occurrence perpetrated upon seniors that can occur between people known or not known to the senior. In many cases, the senior is defrauded of savings, investments or belongings. It may include many instances of small amounts of money from a bank machine or one large misuse such as Power of Attorney exploitation. Finally, neglect is the withholding of food, health services or medication. It can also include abandonment.

Victims of elder abuse may show signs of:

  • Depression, fear, anxiety, passivity
  • Unexplained physical injury such as bruising
  • Lack of basic necessities like food, clothing and medicine
  • Changes in cleanliness or nutrition, loss of weight
  • Failure to meet financial obligations
  • Unusual banking withdrawals

All these types of abuse are of interest to Crime Stoppers. It is everyone’s duty to keep these most vulnerable members of our community safe.

For further information, go to www.elder-abuse.ca