Published: May 8. 2008 09:28AM
By Sam Strangeways
Elder abuse allegations have risen more than ten-fold in the past decade with most mistreatment perpetrated by relatives, according to new statistics obtained by The Royal Gazette.
The National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC) received 66 reports of suspected abuse in 2007, compared to just six in 1998.
Officials — who received 19 reports of senior abuse in the first quarter of this year — say they now have the "teeth" to tackle the problem, thanks to new legislation which became law at the end of March.
Abusers, be they family members or professional carers, can be prosecuted for abuse or neglect of a vulnerable old person under the Senior Abuse Register Act 2008 and face a $10,000 fine, three years in jail or both if convicted.
The majority of alleged abusers are family caregivers, daughters, spouses and other relatives. Most victims are frail, have Alzheimer's Disease or dementia or a physical disability. Women are twice as likely to be abused than men, with those in their eighties most at risk.
Experts told this newspaper the figures released by the NOSPC don't reveal the true scale of elder abuse, as many instances of mistreatment go unreported.
"We had a situation where because we didn't have the teeth of legislation, seniors were a bit timid to report," said Dr. Dickinson. "If they reported it, there was concern of retaliation.
"Now these persons will know we are investigating. People will see that this is the law and you can be punished. If you abuse a senior this could literally change the course of your life. Now we feel like we have teeth."
• To report suspected elder abuse call the NOSPC on 292-7802.
Abridged
SOURCE: TheRoyalGazette
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