“Stop Abuse and Violence Against Seniors”

HelpAge Belize is sending out a call to action for everyone to stop the abuse, crimes, and violence against older persons. Global statistics indicate that one in every six seniors will experience physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. HelpAge Belize believes that elder abuse is on the rise and is an issue that must be dealt on a national scale. It is also recognized as a Global Health and Human Rights problem and a nightmare faced by millions of worldwide. In Belize, several forms of crimes and violence against seniors such as isolation, abandonment, physical injuries, and neglect have been identified. In fact, two weeks ago two seniors citizen were badly beaten in Cayo. One is hospitalized and in critical condition. Executive Director Ivorine Bulwer spoke to News Five.

Ivorine Bulwer

Ivorine Bulwer, Executive Director, HelpAge Belize

“The actions create motional stresses on older persons, the family and health system. There after these individuals are violated, they are traumatized. They required follow up. They require counseling.  That’s a form of abuse and violence against older persons. There are several others that have not been reporter. We are looking within the homes. Older persons are being physically abused. Older persons recognize that they are getting older and they decide ‘I am going to sign over my property to specific individuals’. They may decide they have monies in their account and because of limitation and challenges with the transportation system and the safety on the streets they entrust family members or individuals to withdraw monies from their account. But what do that do? They clean out their account. They sign over their property. When they reach a stage of dependency, when they are not well and now they think at this time when their funds will be used on them; no they become a burden. They are not longer accepted, wanted. These are traumatic scenarios.”