An 87-year-old woman in Fiji has reportedly become a victim of severe elder abuse, allegedly beaten by her own children and left homeless at the doorsteps of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. This incident sheds light on a growing crisis of elder abuse in the country, as detailed by the Commission’s director, Loukinikini Lewaravu, during the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Lewaravu stated that such cruel acts reflect not isolated events, but rather a significant breakdown in cultural empathy and responsibility traditionally afforded to the elderly in Fijian society. She indicated that elder abuse is not merely a social issue but a serious violation of fundamental human rights, which undermines the value systems that society holds dear regarding the care of older citizens.
Several other distressing cases have been reported, including instances of elderly individuals left neglected in care facilities and homes. One case involved a woman who languished in a hospital’s stress ward for months due to familial neglect, while another saw two women with psychosocial disabilities subjected to physical abuse by relatives. Complaints against family members often include issues such as inadequate medical care, abandonment, and misuse of social assistance funds.
These incidents highlight a troubling pattern where elderly parents are mistreated after transferring their assets to their children, leading to distressing consequences, including receiving stale food or lack of support for medical needs.
As the community grapples with the reality of elder abuse, stakeholders emphasize the importance of being vigilant and ensuring that such acts are neither normalized nor ignored. Both the public and officials, including Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, are called upon to report suspected incidents and foster safer environments for the elderly.
Amid these challenges, efforts are underway to address the urgent needs of elderly citizens in Fiji through community initiatives focused on involvement and awareness. There remains hope that through education and societal commitment, the treatment of older citizens can improve, ultimately fostering a culture of respect, protection, and care for their well-being.
This commitment to safeguarding the elderly encompasses not only the recognition of their rights but also the acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions to society, presenting a promising opportunity for change that can redefine the standards of care for Fiji’s aging population.
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