2018/03/24
On Saturday, March 24, beginning at 6:00 p.m., Mr. Kakemoto from the Kitasuna Longevity Support Center joined us to speak about preventing elder abuse. Despite everyone's busy schedules, 24 people attended.
The talk began with the background to the enactment of the Elder Abuse Prevention Act and covered topics including physical abuse, psychological abuse, neglect and abandonment, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and self-neglect.
The importance of early detection was emphasized:
1. Rights violations tend to progress from minor incidents to serious ones.
2. If action is not taken until the violation of rights or abuse has become severe, separation may be the only remaining option...
Apparently, approximately 40 cases are handled in the Joto area of Koto Ward alone.
The nature of abuse also varies by community. It is often seen within family relationships, including between parents and children or between spouses.
"You will not see abuse unless you recognize that it may be happening." There are many cases in which people engage in abusive behavior without realizing that they are doing so. As caregivers, I hope you will carry out your daily work with the awareness that when "we notice and take action, we can protect rights and save lives."