CSOs to help prevent abuse of the elderly
CSOs to help in the prevention of violence against the elderly
04.08.2021
The CSO coalition Help is at Hand has launched an initiative that will break the taboo over this subject and find solutions to prevent such abuse with the help of CSOs and State authorities.
The core of the project centres around a partnership of activities aimed at preventing domestic violence, abuse in medical and social institutions and against elderly people who have cognitive disabilities.
More than 20 organisations are partners in the initiative, including the Timchenko Foundation, the Happiness in Old Age charity, the Hospice Charity Aid Foundation, Faith, and the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University.
“Many CSOs came across examples of violence against the elderly during the pandemic which were mostly incidents of domestic abuse. This is an extremely complex and multifaceted problem because sometimes it is not the fault but rather the trouble some relatives have in controlling their emotions”.
“Scams affecting the elderly who have a poor understanding of modern-day technology or ageism which is reflected in disrespectful attitudes can also be referred to as violence. Abusive behaviour by doctors or nurses in medical institutions is also not uncommon”, Tatyana Akimova, head of the Silver Age Alliance, told ASI.
The first working meeting of those involved in the project was held at the end of July. Two more sessions will take place before 1 October, each of which will come up with a list of ideas and solutions to address this problem. Proposals will then be drafted for government agencies after being discussed with a wide range of interested groups, including Public Chambers and regional CSOs.
People can take part in the project by sending an e-mail to: zabotaryadom@gmail.com.
The CSO coalition, Help is at Hand, was created in March last year to support the elderly during the pandemic. It now includes 374 CSOs from 67 Russian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Estonian regions and has 25 resource centres.
Translated by Neil Hailey
