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National Anti-Violence Helpline1800-777-0000
Tinkle Friend, a helpline for children by the Singapore Children's Society 1800 274 4788
Elder abuse can be described as any action or lack of action that puts the health or well-being of an elderly person at risk. The abuse is often carried out by a family member whom the victim trusts.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place on 15 June every year and has been recognised by the United Nations General Assembly since 2011.
To commemorate this day, we want to increase awareness and understanding of elder abuse and encourage everyone to develop help-seeking knowledge and behaviour.
Click on the video for more information about elder abuse.
Please download the infographics below for more information on the types of elder abuse and where to seek help:
Download PDF: English
Download PDF: Chinese
Download PDF: Malay
Download PDF: Tamil
If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, intervene early and encourage him/her to call the 24-hour National Anti-Violence Helpline at 1800-777-0000, or make the call on his/her behalf.
Elder abuse is not a private matter. Together we can keep our seniors safe.
Causing physical pain and injury – this includes aggressive behaviours such as beatings, torture, being locked up as well as sexual abuse.
SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
Emotional and psychological abuse refers to verbal or non-verbal acts which cause pain and distress to the elderly family member. These include verbal attacks such as threats, insults and humiliation as well as actions that cause a strong fear of violence, being left alone, and/or shame and harassment.
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
This is the deliberate refusal to meet the elderly’s needs such as the failure to provide food, access to housing, clothing, medical care, supervision, safe care and financial support which is required for the elderly’s safety and welfare.
This is when the family member who is responsible for the care of an elderly person, purposely rejects the elder.
SIGNS OF NEGLECT / OR ABANDONMENT
Elder abuse and neglect can be set off by the individual qualities of the abuser and/or victim. For example, the abuser may be going through a life crisis or the victim may have a difficult personality. It can also be caused by outside factors that worsen the situation.
Victims of elder abuse may refuse to admit their mistreatment. There are many reasons for this: fear of rejection and disruption of their lives; embarrassment or shame; worry about their family’s privacy or that legal action might be taken against their abuser. Some victims feel that they deserve the abuse and simply accept it. For the mentally challenged, they may not be aware that they are abused and may not be able to report the abuse.
Victims may be:
Abusers may be:
Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction
