Elder Abuse and the Media - Part II

• We cannot totally blame the media and those that work in that industry regarding the lack of coverage of elder abuse cases and issues.
  
  It must be every reporter’s dream to break new stories, especially those that involve glamour, Hollywood stars, the rich and famous. It is unpalatable to write on issues that reveal the darker sides of the human race. Although, there must be some who really relish in writing on matters of gore, guts and blood.
  
  How can Elder Rights Advocates and Elder Abuse Prevention organizations get their concerns and issues publicized?
  Let us look at difficulties faced by reporters:
  

Victims of EA are often reluctant to talk about their experiences?

• If the abuse involve a financial scam, the victim is often too ashamed to review the extend of the abuse.
  
• If family members are involved, the victim feels ashamed that their own family member could do that to them. They may even question their upbringing of the children, if adult children are involved.
  
• Fear of losing their independence. Staying with ‘the devil I know’ is better than going with ‘the devil I do not know’ – e.g being removed from an abusive family member; only to be put in a nursing home.

Why reporters from various media outlets are reluctant to run stories on EA?

• Difficult to get the victim of a case to review the facts. The victim may be suffering from dementia. Or, that the victim may be so traumatized by the abusive event that he/she ‘blocked’ out the event, in order to exist.
  
• Difficult to get collaboration from others involve in the case. Workers in a nursing home are often reluctant to ‘blow the whistle’ on their superiors or colleagues. Again, the fear of retaliation is a strong deterrent.
  
• Privacy laws may also prevent the publication of names or photos. Thus, making the reporting process more difficult.
  
  The above lists are not exhaustive, but I believe it is a starting point in attempting to understand why it is often so difficult to get the attention of the media regarding EA issues.
  
  Unlike child abuse, elder abuse victims have a shorter go at “recovery”. Victims of elder abuse often are unable to voice their views. Sadly, many victims often blame themselves for whatever happened in an ‘elder abuse situation’. In serious elder abuse cases involving the very frail ones, the victims often passed away before anything can be done for them. This would definitely put an end to the case. “Case closed. Next…..”
  
  In relation to the under-reporting of EA, there is certainly a big gap to be filled. It will require the re-awakening of the human desire for justice and compassion for others, that should be innate in all of us.
  With the tide of ageing “baby boomers” adding to the growing problem of aged care and elder abuse; one thing we can be sure of – The problem is not going to go away.
  
  Have we become so de-sensitized to the sufferings of others that we no longer care?
  
  For the majority of us, old age is unavoidable. What are we doing today to ensure that we live out our twilight years in comfort, safety and dignity?
  
  Act now! We need to unite in this quest. Politicians are not doing enough to ensure the needs of the vulnerable elderly are met.