Elder Abuse - Who Really Cares?

Elder Abuse the silent "Crime of the Century". Yet, just like the public attitude to child abuse all those years ago, no one wants to talk about it.

When a clear cut, physical or sexual abuse case in care facilities, is given publicity by the media, the public and the government will take notice.

Unfortunately, the majority of cases of Elder Abuse happened in the victims' homes. No one wants to talk about those cases.

Especially, if the victims are not in any government care facilities or care packages. They are invisible victims.

Often, anyone who is brave enough to expose such cases are not given any support.

Take the Frank Punito Case - The person who put up the information on the site :
http://www.inthenameofthemother.com/

has now been accused of "lies and deceits" and having "an agenda".

Furthermore, the webmaster of that site has been accused of doing harm to the victim and his children(the abusers).

It shocked that webmaster, because this is one case where the documentary evidence have been overwhelming, and provided by the victim. Obviously, as far as the accusers are concerned, the event is in the past. The victim should just get back with his children, and just start over.

What about the victim's needs for counselling? What about his mental health?

Even his own relatives accused the webmaster of standing in the way of reconciliation between the victim and his children.

This is just one of the cases known to me that resulted in this way.

Should we bother to speak up for victims of elder abuse?

I can tell you from my own experience, and that of associates in this fight for justice for those victims -- If you are not strong enough to stand the thankless job - DON'T TRY!

It can be heart-wrenching and frustrated. Be prepared to face accusations of ALL-SORTS.

I salute all workers for the cause of promoting the awareness and prevention of all violence and abuses.

Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness programs are still new. We will have to face a lot more in years to come, before Elder Abuse Advocacy is given the recognition and attention it deserves.