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2w 1U Victims don’t report for fear of retribution: Const. Kassam “It's a hot topic no one wants to talk about.’ he add. ‘If you‘re abusing someone. obvioudy. you're not going to talk about it. If you’re being abused. you're embarrassed andfeatyou'flloseanyhelpifyou it.” ‘ Eldev abuse is rampant. York Region Network pro- gram "181W Mm Bhanfl said. An's Mains. owner of Nemnar Rat’s Comfort Kcepers. pmviders of non-medical home can. deems elder abuse a‘unnplic-ted pmblcm. alder adults :3 hidden m goes unde- tected and believe- thc issue dunk! he a health and safety priority fm seniors and pulpit entrusted wuh thvit well-hem; Praise statistics are unavailable became most seniors. panic’uhnfly those in the South Asian commu- nity, don't report abuse. “We can‘t capture statistics." she said. ‘We'n: aware of the issue. but senior's an: reluctant to tell anyone. In the South Asian community. It's a cultural issue. feel reporting ahme. be 1! physical. financial or psychologau. brings shame to the family.” 5399 for a 002 Fractionated Laser Facelifl from at Weuspn‘ngs Medical: The Natural Heat”! 8. Beauty Spa. (3 $3000 Value)- (mm 'a' I Once a case is inmtigated. authun'fles must detennine if es an applicable under the Criminal Code Increasingy. as in the case of the Thomhyl where the contractor was charged with extor non. charges are levied Investigating the abuse of an eldedy person is complex and chat- lenging, Often. victim arc not forthcoming due to fear of ret- ribution by their abusers Dementia (an cloud circumstances and facts. Code Increasingy. as in the case of the Tnornhill where the contractor was charged with extor~ tron. charges are levied ' Under the elder abuse umbrella. police can charge abusers with a range of crimes. Um include van'~ ants of assault. Tailure to provide necessities of life. forcible confine- ment and psyd'iological abuse. including intimidation. criminal Starting the delicate conversaâ€" tion. creating awareness and edu- cating front-line professionals and seniors is the key to stemming elder abuse. said Mr. Pakalns. a commit- tee member and volunteer commu- nications oflioer. Ms Bhanji agreed. With our cultural diversity and language many seniors are unaware there is recourse against sdiodgmmmunitycmmmiorshomesandotlmplaccstospcakto the public andfmnt-line professionals about elder abuse. elder abuse. She supports a trigger ous awareness‘ program within places of worship and community centres and services dedicated to helpingtheelderlyatrisk. The information must be lin- lfyou or a senior suspect abuse of any kind. do not remain silent. Const. Kassam said. "Be vigilant. be bold, have a voice and speak." she Report the situation to police or someone you trust. she That could be a family member. doctor. faith leader or social worker On average. the community set» vice buteau. in which (Joust. Kasâ€" sam works. receives 400 calls per month penalnm to seniors 65 and older. Ir‘Jder abuse is more than a dis- Iameful and Miflih'lfll)? mam». York Regioflal Police seniors safety officer Consl. Robyn Kassam said. It can also be a crime. Most are medical. accident or thefi calls. she said. Abom350fthecausarecatego mdnselderabuse. $19 for 6 calamible Vases from Widgeflovexom (a $39 Value) , Ms Bhanji. Mr. Pakalns and (.lonst. Kassam all participated in last month's Breaking the Silence (1mm «ulluml l’rrsputIu-s nf Hdm {\huw xympuslum In Huh- mnnd Hill H1)lebythcl’n'wnmm n! Hdt'l Abust- (Lmnmittw of York Rvgmu, .Iu )Hdlmmlinn ()fhvallh ( arr .md \m'ml wrvkv pmvidcrx in York I‘lvgmn formed m IN), (hr vwm \\‘.|\ filled almost lnunt'dmu'h’ HAN VHL’ avg/nut iinfiue' York Regional Police seniors safety officer (bust. Robyn Kassam 55 am In With seniors expected to number more than 300.000. or 20 per cent of the population. in York Region by am. elder abuse is mtfuuflop ping more service. police and community safety agendas. Financial abuse. including theft, theft by a person holding power of attorney, stopping mail with intent. extortion and fraud. is on the rise. harassment, uttering threals and harassing telephone r for an Animal Hat ‘ and Mitten Set from Mangolistic ‘ (a $73 Value) ekier abuse. She supports a vigor, ous awareness‘ program within places of worship and community centres and services dedicated to helpingtheeldeflyatrisk ' $29.95 for a Metallic Faceless Unisex Watch u from Brand Watches (3 $65 VaIue) of any kind. do not remain sdenl. Coast. Kassam said “Be viglant. be bold, have a vouce and speak." she mid. Report the situation to pohcc or someone you trust. she That could be a family member. donor. faith leader or social worker