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A federal report estimates that about 500,000 seniors are victims of violence every year. That is one in five people over the age of 60. Yet last year only 359 people sought help at the registration office of the competence center ‘Growing older without violence’.
“This may give the impression that older people hardly suffer from domestic violence,” says Ruth Mettler (60), director of ‘Age Without Violence’. Only: this appearance is far from reality. As physical and mental limitations increase, the potential for abuse increases. Moreover, shame, fear or lack of clarity about their own situation prevent many people from raising the alarm.
Dependence as a risk factor
People who live at home and are dependent on care are especially at risk, says Mettler. The relatives are often overwhelmed: “Out of exhaustion, they become dishonest with the person they care for. “They start to attack verbally, ban things or lock the person up.”
Even in retirement homes, excessive demands on staff can lead to abuse. Some time ago it became known that retirement homes were administering sedative medications to keep residents calm.
17 percent of violence is financial
According to the Competence Center ‘Old Age without Violence’, 40 percent of attacks are psychological and 30 percent physical. Financial abuse also occurs. It accounts for 17 percent of cases. Children may end up living at the expense of their elderly parents or even swindling money, Mettler says.
Financial attacks are also carried out by fraudsters. Lonely people are especially sensitive to this. The so-called ‘love scam’ involves pretending to be in love with the aim of enriching yourself from lonely people.
Recognize violence
Why don’t many seniors raise the alarm in such situations? Older people are often not even aware that their own situation is incorrect.
Seniors can ask themselves the following questions to determine if they are in an abusive situation:
- Does my partner or caregiver have control over me?
- Have I ever been afraid of her?
- Does my partner force me to make decisions I don’t want?
- Do I feel humiliated or humiliated?
Older people often fear losing control and not being in control of their lives, Mettler explains. For example, they were afraid that the only way to solve the problem was to break up or leave the house. So they tolerate the situation.
Independent hotlines must provide assistance
To reduce this barrier, the Independent Complaints Bureau (UBA) offers a national telephone number where people can go if they have problems with violence. “You can contact us anonymously to find out more and discuss the situation. Everything remains confidential,” assures Ruth Mettler. Nevertheless, police action in dangerous situations is unavoidable. Careful consideration is given in advance when reporting to the authorities.
People who find themselves in the role of perpetrator or witness abuse can also call the telephone number. In a first step you can also remain anonymous. This makes it possible to combat violence. “There are offers of help, but you have to report it yourself,” Mettler summarizes.
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
