Overview:
The elderly have always played an important and vital role in building and developing society, however, they become very weak over time. Many of them suffer from poverty, disability, or discrimination. One of the main aspects of discrimination against older persons is their mistreatment, a problem that exists in both developed and developing countries, but also one that is under-reported globally.
Elder abuse can be defined as a hidden problem that means abuse or neglect of the elderly by the escort, or any person close to him, which may lead to harm them, and whatever the type of abuse, it will lead to suffering, injury, pain, or a violation of human rights, and a reduction in the quality of life for the elderly. The abuse of the elderly may be by doing harmful things to them, or saying hurtful words to them, or by preventing them from reaching things that are necessary for them. The abuse usually becomes more frequent and severe over time.
The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated on the 15th of June every year. It is the only day of the year when the whole world speaks out against the abuse and suffering inflicted on some of our elderly parents and grandparents.
Objectives:
- Raising community awareness and highlighting the issue of elder abuse.
- Demand a multifaceted global response focused on protecting the rights of older persons.
- Methods and techniques for defining, detecting, and treating elder abuse must be placed in a cultural context and consider culturally specific risk factors.
Facts:
- Elderly abuse prevalence rates are only available in developed countries and range from 1-10%. Although its extent is unknown, its social and ethical significance is clear.
- It is a global social issue that affects the health and rights of millions of older people around the world, and it is an issue that deserves the attention of the international community.
Official date:
Globally: June 15th, 2023
Locally: Dhu’l Qi’dah 26th, 1444H