In an address by the Minister for Seniors Security Hon. Dr. Adis King in observance of World elder abuse awareness day, she said elder abuse is one of the most under investigated forms of violence and it is rarely addressed.
On June 15th 2022 World elder abuse awareness day is observed all over the globe.
World elder abuse awareness day was founded on June 15th, 2006 by the international Network for the prevention of elder abuse and the World Health Organization (WHO). The day is dedicated to raising the awareness of the abuse suffered by the elderly in our societies.
The primary goal of this day is to provide communities all around the world with a chance to develop a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic factors that influence senior abuse and neglect.
“This is a global social issue that not only affects the health of all the people but also diminishes their rights. Elder abuse is one of the most under investigated forms of violence and it is rarely addressed. Elder abuse is widely acknowledged as a growing and significant problem in our culture,” she stated.
King noted that unfortunately, determining the scale of this problem is “difficult” because of under reporting, differences in the definition of elder abuse and the lack of a consistent reporting System.
“Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial and material exploitation, neglect and abandonment are all examples of types of abuse inflicted on our senior citizens”
According to current studies, it was revealed that adult children and other family members are the leading abusers of the elderly demonstrating that violence against the elderly happens mostly at home with family stress both psychological and financial has been considered a contributing cause of elder abuse.
“Research suggests that 4 to 6 percent of the elderly suffer from some kind of abuse, most of which go on the reported or on reported. This day, is to make sure we remain focused on our elders ensuring they live a life of high quality and dignity,” King said.
“Elders are esteemed individuals in many societies and rightly so, the life experiences, memories and perspectives are treasured for the lessons they can teach younger people and if elderly people are not encouraged to pass on the Knowledge and Skills, they’ve gained during their lives, the culture as a whole will suffer.”
She also noted that in Dominica the government has placed much emphasis on the care and well-being of its senior citizens through its ‘Yes we care’ program which was established in 2009 which continues to provide “much-needed” home care to the elderly in our communities. The 70 and over non-contributory social pension program also provides a monthly grant to all seniors.
The minister asked that persons break the cycle of neglect and abuse of elders in their twilight years and give them the full respect that they deserve by being a more loving and caring society.
