by Patricia Watson

Created on: November 24, 2009

Physical or mental abuse of any age group is wrong. Both young and old, need to feel safe and secure, especially when they are with their own families. Trying to decide at which age it is worse to be abused, is like trying to decide which type of food poisoning you want to have. The answer is; you do not want to suffer abuse at any age.

Some would argue that the abuse of a child is worse, simply because it can shape how they live the rest of their lives. The elderly are at the final chapter in their book of life, and the results of any abuse will not be carried with them for years to come. Perhaps this is a correct assumption, at face value only. Any type of abuse will have a horrific effect on the victim's quality of life. It does not matter how many years are ahead of a person, if their quality of life is being taken away, through repeated abuse, it is a tragedy.

Child abuse is front and center in most news story of the day. We are made aware of this growing threat daily. Our children are lectured on what is and what is not acceptable behavior from an adult. There are hot-lines for children to call for help. Abuse of the elderly is not publicized with as much frequency. The abuse can be from a family caregiver, or from employees of a nursing home. The elderly do not have an organized voice taking up the cause and effect of their continued abuse.

Education and intervention are the main ways we can help stop all abuse. If you think that a neighbor or loved one is being physically or verbally battered, take action to stop it. Don't be timid or afraid to make a call for help. You may be the only lifeline the abused person has. Fear and shame can keep the victim from speaking out for themselves. Don't let another day go by without reaching out to a person who needs to be rescued.

When you visit your elderly relatives in the nursing home, take notice of everything in their environment. Are they happy? Do they have suspicious bruises or marks on their body? Do they look nourished? We have to be very active in the war against both child and elder abuse. Stay alert to any changes in your child or elderly relatives behavior. These changes may indicate that some type of abuse is present in their life. Be prepared to take action if you suspect abuse is happening. It won't go away by itself.

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