Seniors advocate seeks increased security at nursing homes amid sex-offences investigation in Saint John

A seniors advocate is calling for improved security measures at nursing homes across New Brunswick, as Saint John police investigate "offences of a sexual nature" at Loch Lomond Villa’s The Village involving at least 12 victims, some into their 90s.

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights, calls the alleged abuse "disturbing" and "horrific."

"It's frightening to even think that this is happening in our homes," she said. "We're talking about vulnerable people here that can't defend themselves.”

The Saint John Police Force announced the investigation Jan. 23 after being alerted by staff at the 100-bed nursing home on the city's east side two days earlier.

Staff Sgt. Shawna Fowler said the family protection unit has identified "over a dozen" victims so far.

“As we are still in the initial stages of the investigation and collecting information that number could go up," she told CBC News.

All of the victims are between their 70s and 90s, Fowler said.

She declined to discuss their physical or mental capacity, saying that could identify them.

It's also too soon to discuss the nature of the alleged offences, which could range from sexual touching to sexual assault, or how long the alleged abuse may have occurred, Fowler said.

"We're just not there yet," she said, as officers continue to interview people, collect forensic evidence and seek videos. "There's several victims and it's still being determined what has taken place."

Although no one has been arrested yet, police do have a suspect, said Fowler.

It's not an employee or a resident, she said, but someone who is "affiliated" with the home.

The Village, located at 164 Loch Lomond Rd., consists of four resident houses — Cedar, Dogwood, Maple and Willow Houses — each with 25 residents.

The Villa, located across the street at 185 Loch Lomond Rd., is a 90-bed nursing home. The Loch Lomond Villa also operates three independent-living apartment buildings at that site.