Kennemerland municipalities launch campaign to tackle hidden elder abuse
Elder abuse often goes unnoticed behind closed doors, affecting 1 in 20 seniors. Municipalities in Kennemerland, including Haarlemmermeer, are urging residents to recognize subtle signs and seek help, as the elderly population grows and vulnerabilities increase.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | Hidden Suffering |
| Region | Kennemerland Safety Region (including Haarlemmermeer) |
| Estimated Elder Abuse Rate | 1 in 20 elderly people |
| Forms of Abuse | Physical violence, psychological pressure, neglect, financial exploitation |
| Reporting Channel | Veilig Thuis (anonymous advice available) |
| Elderly Population Growth | From 8,000 (1990s) to nearly 30,000 (current) in Haarlemmermeer |
| Projected Growth | Expected to reach 35,000 in coming years |
| Key Risk Factors | Dependence, loyalty, shrinking social networks, overburdened caregivers |
Municipalities in the Kennemerland region are responsible for local care and well-being policies, including safeguarding vulnerable groups like the elderly. They collaborate with organizations like Veilig Thuis to raise awareness and provide support for issues such as elder abuse.
Read the full translated article below
Elder Abuse: Hidden Suffering Closer Than You Think
An elderly man no longer opens the door to visitors. His daughter increasingly manages his financial affairs. Neighbors see him less often outside. Nothing seems amiss. And yet, something feels wrong. Elder abuse often takes place behind closed doors. It is rarely visible and precisely for that reason difficult to recognize. With the Hidden Suffering campaign, the municipalities of the Kennemerland Safety Region, including Haarlemmermeer, are drawing attention to this issue. Not because it is new, but because it too often goes unnoticed.
“It is a problem that is not often discussed, but one that does occur, even in our municipality,” says Alderwoman Charlotte van der Meij, responsible for, among other things, care and well-being. “It is often closer than we think, but it remains under the radar.”
According to estimates, about one in twenty elderly people experiences some form of abuse. At the same time, professionals believe the actual number is higher. “The reports we currently receive are likely just the tip of the iceberg,” says Van der Meij. “And as long as we do not see it, we cannot do anything about it.”
More Than Physical Violence
Abuse is often associated with physical violence. But the reality is broader. It can also involve psychological pressure, neglect, or financial exploitation. For example, when someone ‘helps out’ with a bank card but withdraws money for themselves at the same time.
“Not everything you see immediately feels like abuse, but it could be,” says Van der Meij. “The signs are often subtle. If you do not recognize them, you do not see the problem and therefore do not intervene.”
Elder abuse is not always the result of malicious intent. Sometimes, care goes awry because informal caregivers are overburdened for too long. The pressure can build up to the point where boundaries shift unnoticed. That is precisely why it is important to recognize signs early, even in yourself. Alderwoman Van der Meij: “We also see situations where people mean well but simply cannot keep it up anymore.”
Dependence and Loyalty
In many cases, dependence and loyalty play a role. Elderly people are sometimes dependent on those who help them. This makes it complicated to talk about the situation or ask for help.
“Many elderly people do not want to get their loved ones into trouble or are afraid of losing the relationship,” says Van der Meij. “That is precisely why it is important for people in the surrounding area to pick up on signals and take action.”
Watch for Small Changes
Elder abuse rarely starts in a big, visible way. It often begins with small changes. Someone who becomes quieter, receives less visitors, or appears unkempt. Or someone who suddenly reacts anxiously or has trouble with money.
“On its own, such a signal may seem minor,” says Van der Meij. “But often, it is the combination of several signals that makes you think: this is not right.”
If you are concerned, you do not have to solve it alone. Doubt itself is a reason to take action. “In doubt? Do something about it anyway.”
“Do not keep it to yourself,” says Van der Meij. “You do not need to be certain. Doubt is actually an important signal. By seeking advice in time, we can prevent situations from worsening.”
Residents can turn to Veilig Thuis for this. This can also be done anonymously and without immediately making an official report. The goal is to think along and provide help, not to intervene directly.
In Haarlemmermeer Too
Although Haarlemmermeer is known as a relatively young municipality, the number of elderly residents is growing rapidly. In the early 1990s, there were about 8,000 residents aged 67 and older. Now, there are nearly 30,000, and this number is expected to grow to around 35,000 in the coming years.
Additionally, elderly people are living independently for longer. While this is a positive development, it also means that care and support often take place at home. Social networks can sometimes shrink, making vulnerable situations less visible.
“That is precisely why it is so important that we look out for each other,” says Van der Meij. “That we take signals seriously and do not look away.” The Hidden Suffering campaign aims to help residents recognize sooner when something is not right and know what they can do. “That one conversation or phone call can really make the difference,” says Van der Meij. “For yourself or for someone in your environment.”