Unfair Treatment of Reporters of Elder Abuse (International)

It is most disturbing that reporters of elder abuse cases to authorities in various countries, often resulted in the reporters themselves been investigated! Motives are questioned.Why? Perhaps it is easier for authorities to suspect the motive of the reporter than to investigate the reported case?

I now know of several cases where the reporters of elder abuse have been suspected of ‘unsavory motive’ and investigated. One case is still ‘in progress’ after a few years of legal wrangling.

It is NOT encouraging for any potential ‘whistle blowers’ or reporters of Elder Abuse. We need to support reporters when the case is proven; NOT investigating into their motives.

Is there no one in our 21st century who can be considered generous and altruistic? Have we become so materialistic that nothing done can be judged as an act of altruism or humanity? For those in charge of various government programs in the fight to prevent elder abuse; please listen to us.

How can you expect people in the community to assist, if you treat the reporters with suspicion and contempt? Let's face it, the victims often DO NOT report the abuses. It is often left to a caring relative, friend or neighbour.

Do not wait till your department is called by the police or funeral house director before you act!

This post is not to discourage others in reporting elder abuse. It is just that some issues need to be sorted out by authorities regarding the health and safety of the elderly. In their next conference or staff ‘in service’ seminar; perhaps they can look at this problem. “Do Not Shoot the Messengers”

We are currently gathering information on cases where reporters of elder abuse get investigated or called into question about their ‘motives’. Please contact me via email if you have similar experience.

Since an earlier version of this was posted last year, I have received information from reporters of elder abuse that is most disturbing. And to quote from some of the information received:

Case 1. “… I am attempting to get my life back on tracks following the abuse at ------------- and everyone failed to see that I am not the guilty party.

I will never report elder abuse to anyone in the future. I have been made to stop caring as I have a mortgage and young family to support, now on the welfare."

Case 2. "....If I had been reporting a house break-in (burglary) the police would have checked out the allegation very quickly. I am sure they would not have waited to see if the person reporting the break-in was a blood relative of the household owner." [reporter was investigated because the person was not a "blood relative".

I have my own share of emails accusing me of "lies and deceits" following my report of a case that I have ample concrete documentary evidence. Those who knew the victim and/or saw the evidence presented, shared my views on the case. Unless my accusers are living in a different Dimension; or that the truth is too painful/shameful to accept ... we fail to see why they cannot accept the truth.

The authorities in every country and Elder Abuse Prevention organizations; must look into how to protect reporters of elder abuse. Fine tune their procedures regarding accepting reports of elder abuse and authenticating reports.

The public needs to be involved, as Adult Protective Services or similar agencies are not able to get all the information on their own. The partnership of such agencies and the public is crucial of successful Elder Abuse Prevention. Elder abuse prevention measures should also include the encouraging and protection of reporters of cases.

The question need to be asked of those organizations or agencies:

How can you better protect Reporters of Elder Abuse?

By Andrew