Haarlem launches campaign to tackle hidden elder abuse in the community
Elder abuse affects 1 in 20 older adults, often going unnoticed due to shame or dependency. Haarlem’s new campaign urges residents and professionals to recognize signs like anxiety or financial issues and seek help to protect vulnerable seniors.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | Verborgen Leed (Hidden Suffering) |
| Affected Group | 1 in 20 older adults in the Netherlands |
| Common Perpetrators | Partners, family members, caregivers, or healthcare providers |
| Types of Abuse | Verbal, physical, neglect, financial exploitation |
| Regional Partners | Zorgbalans, Veilig Thuis Kennemerland, neighboring municipalities |
| Helpline | Veilig Thuis Kennemerland: 0800 20 00 (free and anonymous) |
| Emergency Number | 112 |
| More Information | Verborgen Leed |
The municipality of Haarlem is responsible for local welfare policies, including safeguarding vulnerable groups like the elderly. This campaign aligns with its duty to raise awareness and coordinate support services to prevent and address elder abuse in the community.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Recognize the signs of elder abuse
Everyone in Haarlem should be able to age safely. With the Verborgen Leed (Hidden Suffering) campaign, we are drawing attention to elder abuse and urging residents and professionals to recognize the signs. Don’t look away—speak up.
1 in 20 older adults experiences abuse or other forms of suffering. Elder abuse most often occurs within an older person’s immediate environment, such as by a partner, family member, caregiver, or healthcare provider. It can include verbal abuse, physical mistreatment, neglect, or financial exploitation, such as unauthorized use of a debit card.
Recognizing the signs
Shame and dependency often make it difficult for older adults to speak out. That’s why it’s important for residents, caregivers, and professionals to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation—such as sudden anxiety, withdrawal, or financial difficulties. More information and practical tips are available on the website Verborgen Leed (link is external).
Regional campaign
We are running the Verborgen Leed campaign in collaboration with Zorgbalans, Veilig Thuis Kennemerland, and other municipalities in the region.
Councillor Diana van Loenen (Social Affairs): “Unfortunately, elder abuse occurs more often than we realize. It’s often not immediately visible, but the consequences are severe. By raising awareness and recognizing signs early, residents, caregivers, and professionals can ensure that appropriate help is provided sooner.”
Information and support
Are you a victim yourself? Or concerned about an older adult? Don’t keep it to yourself. Talk about it and seek help. You are not alone. More information and practical tips are available on the website Verborgen Leed (link is external).
You can also get free and anonymous advice from Veilig Thuis Kennemerland by calling 0800 20 00. Contact your GP or the local social support team as well. If there is immediate danger, always call 112.