The increase in the violation of human rights concerning the elderly has been disturbing in recent decades; physical, sexual, psychological, and/or emotional abuse, violence generated for economic or material reasons, abandonment, neglect, disrespect, and aggravation of dignity, have made the mistreatment of this non-minority group of people a serious public health problem.

It is estimated that 15.7% of people over the age of 60 have been subjected to some form of abuse, however, this is only an underestimate of the true figures as only one in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported, which is why injury lawyers in Kitchener feel it is important to make everyone aware of the reality of the quality of life of the elderly, not only in community settings but also when they are in nursing homes or long term care facilities.

Statistical differences between elder abuse in the community and institutional settings

Estimates of elder abuse in the community and institutional settings yield valuable differential information that Kitchener personal injury lawyers want you and your family to consider to minimize the risks of situations that aggravate the health of the valuable elderly population. For ease of understanding, the statistics have been broken down by type of mistreatment, with the following figures:

•    - Psychological mistreatment: in community settings, there is a prevalence of 11.6%, while in community settings 33%.
•    - Physical abuse: 2.6% prevalence in community settings, 14% in institutions.
•    - Financial abuse: 6.8% prevalence in community settings and 13% in institutional settings.
•    - Neglect: 4.2% prevalence in community settings, 12% in institutional settings.
•    - Sexual abuse: less than 1% in community settings and less than 2% in institutional settings.

The difference between these data may be due to two main reasons: in care institutions, there is no family or sentimental link that generates better treatment towards this group of people, while in community settings it is relatively more difficult for dependent elderly people to feel free to denounce their aggressors.

What are the most serious consequences of elder abuse that a Kitchener injury lawyer will consider when making a claim?

Elder abuse causes physical injuries (scratches, bruises, bone fractures, and head injuries) that can lead to disabilities and serious psychological sequelae (depression, anxiety, and others) sometimes of long duration.

But it should be noted that for the elderly the consequences of mistreatment are especially serious because their bones are more fragile and therefore convalescence is usually longer. Even relatively minor injuries can cause serious and permanent damage or death. Therefore, do not hesitate to turn to ABPC Law if you are a victim of this type of treatment or suspect that someone close to you is.