1090 Helpline - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

1090 Helpline - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 16, 2023: June 15, 2023 was a special day in the city. The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated 15 June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  It represents a sensitive day in the year  when the world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people by the community and/or kith and kin.

 

 

 

In Mangalore city, suitably marking the day, on Thursday June 15, 2023 forenoon,  the dedicated Elders Helpline (1090) personnel, who operate the helpline under  The Government Authority and co-ordinated by Viswas Trust, has been based at the  Pandeshwar Police Station  for several  years now.  

They congregated around the main Bus Terminus at State Bank and at DC Office gate and explained to the interested public regarding the services available from the local helpline and others to  aid and assist the  senior citizens who face harassment and subtle abuse from any source within or without their homes. Counselling, Laws  and actions, are available to officially deal with any such abuse that is faced by elders who are otherwise helpless. If any comes across needy elders or abused aged folks, do not hesitate to dial 1090 and inform.

What is elder abuse?  Elder abuse is mistreatment of an older person that is committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust such as a partner, family member, friend or carer. Elder abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. Sometimes family, friends and carers may not know that their actions amount to elder abuse.

The World Health Organization describes elder abuse as a violation of human rights and a significant cause of illness, loss of productivity, isolation and despair. (WHO 2002 Active Ageing Policy Framework). As such, it is an issue that affects not only the person who is impacted directly but also the broader community.  Older people have the right, just like people of all ages, to live safely free from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

Any actions that breach this right are a form of abuse.

Who is affected by elder abuse? Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically under-reported globally. Prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries — ranging from 1% to 10% of older people.

Elder abuse has been shown to affect women and men, people from different cultural backgrounds, people with different levels of education and wealth, and both city-dwellers and country folk.  The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries experience rapidly ageing populations. Although the extent of elder abuse is unknown, it is nonetheless a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.  Every worthy citizen must be aware of the senior citizens in ones vicinity and ensure their well being and security; if need arises the helpline and/or suitable authorities must be contacted early.