Augusta
April 20, 2013
Mr. Hillman is correct – we need to “raise awareness about
the issue of child abuse in our community.” While I agree with his statement, I
want to expand that statement by saying that we need to increase awareness
about all aspects of personal violence – against a child, a spouse or a senior
citizen.
Children learn from what they see, hear and witness, and
responsible adults need to be the eyes, ears and hands of those in our society
who cannot advocate for themselves, regardless of age.
In psychology, we learn victims have the potential of
becoming abusers because of learned behavior. Children see fathers shove, choke
or slap mothers; a child may become a “stress-reliever” for an abusive parent;
or a child witnesses mistreatment of grandparents. The cycle continues.
Elder abuse encompasses mistreatment, neglect and
exploitation of a physical, psychological or sexual nature, and can be
summarized as vast, cruel and costly. It can cause a cascade of consequences
with implications for the health and economic security of victim, family,
community and nation. Despite the 2010 passage of the Elder Justice Act,
fighting widespread abuse of seniors still is not a top priority for care
providers and governments alike. As many as one in 10 people age 60 and older
are affected by senior abuse.
Why should you care about elder abuse? Because the older
population continues to grow, and by 2030 there will be about 72.1 million older
people, comprising almost 20 percent of the total population. The 85-plus
population is projected to increase to 6.6 million in 2020.
While seniors are living longer, declines in cognitive and
physical functions could make them more vulnerable to victimization. Elder
abuse can happen to anyone – a loved one, a neighbor and, when we are old
enough, it can even happen to us!
If you know of a victim or a potential victim of elder
mistreatment, call your county Adult Protective Services at its toll-free number
or contact our agency – the Senior Citizens Council, (706) 868-0120 – and we will assist you in
making the referral. Remember: By making this referral, you might save a life.
Kathleen J. Ernce
Augusta
(The writer is executive director of the Senior Citizens
Council of Greater Augusta and the CSRA.)
SOURCE: The Augusta Chronicle
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