From January 15 until January 27, GGD Haaglanden and the Municipality of The Hague will raise awareness about elder abuse with the campaign ‘Do You See Me?’, taking place in the Atrium City Hall.

Elder abuse is a form of domestic violence that often goes unnoticed, even though its impact can be significant. Research shows that more than one in twenty people aged 65 and older experience some form of abuse. Elderly individuals are often particularly vulnerable due to their age, illness, or psychological conditions, such as dementia. This dependency on caregivers, partners, or family members can increase the risk, with perpetrators frequently being close to the person receiving care.

Making a hidden problem visible
This campaign aims to raise awareness about elder abuse and provide tools to start important conversations, encouraging everyone to take action and help ensure a safe and respectful environment for older adults. “Elder abuse and financial exploitation are significant yet often invisible problems,” says Shury Jamanika, project leader at GGD Haaglanden. “Caregivers and members of the community often lack the knowledge to recognize these issues or address them effectively.”

What Can You Do?
Breaking the cycle of an unsafe home situation begins with recognizing the signs and addressing your concerns. Do you suspect someone in your surroundings may be experiencing a form of elder abuse? Speak up and make it a topic of conversation.

Visit the Atrium City Hall between January 15 until January 27 to learn more about how you can help.

For more information, go to www.ggdhaaglanden.nl/ziejemij. *The link is avaibale as of  January 15, 2025.