A free elder abuse awareness seminar will be held in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on Thursday, July 31. Called “See Something, Say Something,” the event is organized by Crime Stoppers and the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society. Its goal is to help seniors identify signs of abuse and learn how to report it safely.
The one-hour presentation will cover physical, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. Each section will explain what signs to watch for and how to protect oneself or others. The event aims to empower older adults to recognize when something is wrong and take steps to stop it.
Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, said many older people are hesitant to report abuse. Some may feel ashamed, while others don’t want to involve the police. The good news is that Crime Stoppers offers anonymous reporting.
“We don’t take names or phone numbers,” said Annis. “People can share what happened without giving any personal information.”
Crime Stoppers also supports tips in 115 languages, making it easier for people who speak languages other than English to report abuse. Removing language barriers is a key part of ensuring everyone feels safe reporting concerns.
More than 90 percent of elder abuse cases involve a family member, according to Crime Stoppers. Abuse can include hitting, yelling, isolating, stealing, or taking control of a person’s money. Sometimes, seniors are abused by someone they trust most, like a child or partner. Others may be targeted after losing a loved one, as scammers pretend to be friends or romantic partners to take advantage of them.
The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as any act—or failure to act—that harms an older person in a relationship of trust. This includes physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. Abuse doesn’t have to be violent. It can be something as simple as not helping with basic care or using someone’s money without permission.
A 2017 study shared by the United Nations found that 15.7% of people over 60 had suffered some form of abuse in a single year. The study looked at data from 52 reports in 28 countries, showing that abuse is a global problem affecting all types of communities.
B.C.’s Seniors Advocate, Dan Levitt, said many people do not report elder abuse because they don’t know where to turn. A review by his office in 2021 found that about half of people with knowledge of elder abuse didn’t report it. One reason is the lack of a clear, single place to call.
Levitt said there should be one phone number known across the province. For now, he encourages people to call the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) at 1-866-437-1940 or BC211. These services help people find the right agency to report abuse. Another option is to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 for anonymous tips.
Reporting abuse protects the victim and can prevent others from being harmed. Annis stressed the importance of speaking up. If you see or suspect abuse, you can help stop it by reporting what you know. Your identity will be kept private, and your tip may help the authorities take action.
The seminar will be held at two locations on the same day. In Maple Ridge, it will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre, 12150 224 Street. To register, call 604-467-4993. The Pitt Meadows session runs from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 19065 119B Avenue. Call 604-457-4771 to sign up.
Annis hopes more people will come forward if they suspect abuse. She believes community support and awareness can make a big difference. “If you see something or suspect something, please say something,” she said.
