More than 30 reports of violence against the elderly every week: “Only half dare to talk about it with someone
by atrocious_cleva82
More than 30 reports of violence against the elderly every week: “Only half dare to talk about it with someone
by atrocious_cleva82
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>In 2023, VLOCO, the helpline 1712 and the General Welfare Centers (CAW) together registered 1,584 cases of violence against the elderly by a confidential counselor. That is more than 400 more than last year.
>Psychological abuse such as humiliation and emotional blackmail occurs most often (in 27 percent of cases). Physical abuse, such as beating and rough care, comes in second place (in 22 percent of cases), followed by neglect (in 18 percent of cases). Two-thirds of the victims were women.
>The organizations believe that there are many more cases than 1,584, but most elderly people do not report violence committed against them. “The issue is still not sufficiently known and the prevailing taboo makes it difficult to discuss,” says VLOCO. “Only half of the elderly who have to deal with this dare to talk to someone about it.”
>Because it usually concerns overburdened care providers who can no longer provide care, VLOCO speaks of abuse and not mistreatment. “Where the ‘(be)’ emphasizes that in most cases there is no malicious intent. Assault or abuse on purpose only occurs in a minority,” says Lily De Clercq, VLOCO staff member.
