Abuse of elderly people should receive the same level of attention that child abuse gets, according to Professor Rudi Westendorp of Leiden University in the Netherlands.
Last year, research by the Dutch Union for the Elderly (ANBO) revealed that 200,000 cases of abuse are reported each year. It says this is just the tip of the iceberg.
ANBO research shows that abuse by carers or relatives can take many forms, both physical and psychological, but can also include financial exploitation. Cases occur both at home and in care homes.
Geriatrics Professor Westendorp said that government policy targeting child abuse is well-developed, but elderly abuse remains relatively ignored. Professor Westendorp's Leyden Academy institute and Leiden University Medical Centre are organising a conference on Wednesday about the physical and mental abuse of the elderly.
(rk/mw)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
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For sure elderly are abused and the politicians take the lead and give the bad example.( like cutting the AOW of elderly who live abroad)