Crime Prevention
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the most frequent crimes experienced by seniors are telemarketing fraud, theft and assault. It is a fact that senior women are usually sexually assaulted while being robbed, often during the day and in their own homes. Seniors with epilepsy carry the extra burden of knowing that having a seizure alone in public makes them an easy target for theft and/or assault.
Assault among the senior population is not reported as often as it should be. This is because some people who are assaulted later in life are more likely to have serious physical injuries or develop an infection (in the case of sexual assault) and thus may be afraid of trusting others. Moreover, sexual assault is not always reported among this age group because of the beliefs that many senior women grew up with — that rape should not be talked about, that it is embarrassing and shameful to discuss with others. In addition to this, people may not even believe that this type of thing occurs.
The RCMP makes presentations to senior groups, to encourage seniors to actively take part in preventing crime and therefore feel safer. An information kit about Crime Prevention is offered on the Internet at " http://www.rcmp.ca/ccaps/senior_e.htm". Or for more information, contact your local branch of the RCMP or your local police force.
Seniors should be able to feel secure in their own homes and communities. The following are some suggestions for crime prevention: - Always try to bring a companion along for walks.
- Leave valuable items hidden safely at home.
- Don't be afraid to tell the proper authorities if you have been assaulted or robbed. It is the only way you can get the help that you need.
- Seniors should also contact their local sexual assault crisis centre for counselling and other support.
|
