Be alert for potential crimes against the disabled, elderly, and children

The Police say they have recognized the need for more public awareness as it relates to recognizing signs of abuse in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and particularly, children.

This disclosure was made by Sergeant, LaFleur Williams, who is attached to the Rapid Response Unit of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) during the March 20, 2025 edition of Cop Chat on WEFM 99.9.

She said the categories which top the list of crimes concerning vulnerable groups are incidents of domestic violence against women and children, financial scams targeting the elderly, assault and robberies of persons with mobility issues, and also sexual assault of children and persons with diminished mental capacity.

While speaking on the topic, ‘Protecting The Vulnerable-Personal Security For Women, Children, Elderly & Disabled’, Sergeant Williams said that “educational programmes that can help communities recognize risks and take preventative measures and hence encourage reporting” should be a primary focus.

In December last year, a middle aged woman from Chateaubelair with mental impairment was found unconscious outside her home, with family members at the time telling SEARCHLIGHT they suspected she had been attacked and sexually assaulted. The condition of the woman, who was eventually taken to hospital and is now at the Lewis Punnett Home, has gradually worsened.

Sergeant Williams called on victims and witnesses to come forward to report incidents to the police.

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