Cases of abuse and neglect of the elderly on the rise, Gender Commission says
What you need to know:
- NGEC officers have come across incidences of violence meted out on the older members of the society in the course of their work.
- Ms Lichuma called upon the government to ensure the elderly are protected.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has decried the rise in cases of abuse and neglect of the elderly in Kenya.
The commission's chairperson, Ms Winfred Lichuma, said older members of the society suffer all forms of violence, including economic, physical, and psychological abuse.
“These vices are perpetuated mainly at home and by persons well known to the survivors,” she said in a statement ahead of celebrations of International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday.
She said NGEC officers have come across incidences of violence meted out on the older members of the society in the course of their work.
Ms Lichuma called upon the government to ensure the elderly are protected.
“We urge relevant arms of the government to ensure those charged with the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of older persons perform their duties with diligence to ensure a decent life of our senior citizens,” she said.
