“Elderly abuse is an alarming concern within our communities” – Human Services Ministry

…educates seniors on reporting mechanisms for cases of abuse

As Sunday marked International Day of Older Persons, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, through the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit, launched an awareness campaign across post offices countrywide to promote elderly care.

From Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), ministry and the Community Advocates Network (CAN) staff and volunteers facilitated awareness sessions to support seniors and distributed snacks to a number of elderly persons.
This initiative also presented an opportunity to raise awareness of the prevalent issue of elderly abuse.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about one in six persons aged 60 years and older have experienced some form of abuse in community settings, with the rates having increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Elderly abuse is an alarming concern within our communities, encompassing physical, verbal, emotional, socio-economic abuse, neglect, and isolation. The Ministry is committed to addressing this issue head-on,” the ministry stated in a press release.
As such, senior participants were educated on how to identify and report elder abuse, thereby empowering them to protect themselves and seek help when needed.
“The Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to raise awareness of elder abuse and reiterates its strong stance against all forms of Gender-Based Violence, including elderly abuse,” the statement continued.
This initiative came after the Day of Older persons celebrations, where the National Commission for the Elderly reportedly educated over 250 seniors at the Promenade Gardens about elderly abuse and reporting mechanisms.
To further support seniors and combat elder abuse, the Human Services Ministry continues to direct persons in need to their 24-hour toll-free hotline number, 914.
The 914 hotline was launched in 2020 to respond to victims of domestic abuse at any time of the day, whereby persons are usually able to speak to a trained customer service operator who will direct the call to a social worker that seeks to provide necessary assistance while maintaining confidentiality.
“We urge everyone to reach out if they or someone they know is a victim of elder abuse. Remember, there is no excuse for abuse, and we are here to help,” the Ministry’s statement read.