The Rape Response & Crime Victim Center, Inc. is a free non-profit program to aid crime victims. Victims are aided whether or not the crime is reported to the police. Last year, police reported 867 Idaho senior citizens were victims of crime. Idaho's senior citizens most often are victims of assault or intimidation but in 1998, 10 were murdered, 10 were raped, and 3 were kidnapped.

Some victims lose their independence by not knowing where to get help or being embarrassed to ask for help. Protect yourself from rip-offs, crooks, and high pressure sales people. When it doesn't sound right - hang up, close the door, or say good bye. Secure your home and join with your neighbors in protecting each other's homes.

Effect of Crime: Even if the injuries are invisible, they can be very serious. Common reactions are depression, panic, fear, and sleeplessness. Fear of going-out can cause isolation. Crime victimization can happen to anyone and we can all use help in recovery. With the victim's permission and guidance, the victim's family and friends are enlisted to aid in their recovery.

Economic Crimes: According to the FBI, senior citizens are targeted in fraud schemes. Tragically, two victims lost thousands of dollars in Idaho Falls last year. The person taking their money posed as a bank examiner and met them in a public place. Financial swindles and fraud can be as damaging to a senior citizen as physically violent crimes are to a younger person.

Telemarketing: Elders are swindled out of nearly $15 billion each year from telemarketing crimes alone. The general public is targeted for phone fraud at a rate of 30%, small businesses at 12%, and investors at 7%. Most of us cannot tell the difference between legal and illegal phone solicitations. Be leery of phone sales. Be very suspicious of someone who knows part of your bank number or has information about your credit card that surprises you. Do contact authorities if you are targeted or become a victim, but know that very few people ever get any of their money back. Beware of phony prizes. It is illegal to make you buy something to get a prize. Report Crime! It's all about getting Justice!

Elder Abuse and Neglect : In a health study by the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services types of abuse were found in the following order of frequency:

Adult children comprised the largest category of perpetrators (47.3%) of substantiated incidents of elder abuse; spouse following second by 19.3%. Elder abuse is a crime that must be reported under Idaho law, call 522-5391.