THE abuse of the elderly is an ill in society that has not been receiving much attention, and the Ministry of Social Protection (MOSP) is seeking to address the problem by bringing it to the attention of the public.

This was done through a march organised for the observance of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, where a number of elderly people marched with members of the ministry from Cornhill Street to the Palms.

The event was held under the theme, “Seniors in our midst: Preventing Elderly Abuse”, and those who marched chanted: “Old Age is not a crime; all ah we gon get we time”.

According to Senior Probation and Social Service Officer, Tranetta Elliot, “The march kinda gives us an opportunity to stop and think and highlight what’s happening with our elders, because elder abuse is something we don’t talk about.

“At the MOSP, we believe the first thing in addressing elder abuse is awareness and education, because, once persons have the information, they are able to act differently and this is why we have this activity; to create awareness.”

And to this end, she affirmed that the scourge of elder abuse is “really happening”, with the elderly experiencing sexual abuse and violence for financial reasons. And more than that, she noted that the elders are afraid to speak out, because they find that many people do not readily believe them.

She added that there is a great deal of public attention placed on Child Abuse and Domestic Abuse; and rightly so, but elder abuse is one that is not discussed often.