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1 in 10 older persons experience abuse every month: UN expert

Xinhua, June 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

A UN expert on Tuesday warned not enough action was being taken to stop elder abuse around the world, saying one in 10 older persons experience abuse every month.

Speaking ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Rosa Kornfeld-Matte, called on everyone who suspected a case of elder abuse to immediately report it.

"On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I urge everyone who suspects a case of elder abuse: report your concerns," she noted.

Elder abuse occurs in institutional settings, but often also at home, and it affects older persons across all socio-economic groups, the UN expert said.

According to her, manifestations of elder abuse include physical violence, sexual or emotional abuse, abandonment, and neglect, as well as financial or material exploitation.

"Warning signs can include unexplained bruises, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration, unexplained changes of alertness, and sudden changes in finances and accounts," she added.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2011. Endit