Elder Abuse & DV
Again this is an issue that has only in the last five years been highlighted, and again the awareness is not adequate. Who protects the victim/survivor’s from a relative or one who is appointed as their carer. Who takes the time to listen when an elderly or vulnerable person tells you they have bruises, that they are being shouted at, that they are being manhandled. General perception was “their frail” “they bruise easily” “they may be difficult” “how does the carer manage
Due to these perceptions issues such as domestic violence was allowed to go on unnoticed. Who noticed – the generation we live in today – how many of us pop in for chats with our neighbours like our grandparents did. How many of us check to see if our neighbours are okay if we haven’t seen them for a while? If anyone did call round, and saw a bruise thought “they must have fallen over” who questioned or challenged
There is work being done to highlight the issues of the elderly/vulnerable in relation to domestic violence, by age concern and other agencies, there was also within the last five years the introduction of the Vulnerable Person’s `blue book` Guide, and improved liaison between Social Services and other key agencies, case conferences and sharing of information protocols set up.
The awareness of the general public however is very low, and needs to be highlighted on a large scale.
The organisation - Action for Elder Abuse defines elder abuse as:
'A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person'.
For more information on Action for Elder Abuse visit their website at:
