A new survey by SKPF Pensionärerna has revealed alarming levels of violence and abuse against elderly people in Sweden, with many victims too ashamed to report their experiences. According to the organization's survey of 2,500 members nationwide, nearly 8 percent reported experiencing violence, threats, or abuse after reaching 60 years of age.
Liza di Paolo-Sandberg, chairperson of SKPF Pensionärerna, stated that many elderly victims experience significant shame and are reluctant to disclose what they have endured. "Many feel a great shame and don't want to tell what they've been subjected to," she said.
Many feel a great shame and don't want to tell what they've been subjected to
The survey found that 70 percent of respondents believe violence and abuse against the elderly has increased in recent years. Often, victims are economically or practically dependent on their abusers, making it physically difficult for them to leave destructive relationships.
A December report from Tantjourerna and Riksorganisationen för kvinnojourer och tjejjourer (Roks) highlighted that violence against elderly women is particularly problematic, with bruises often dismissed as fragile skin or falls, and accounts of violence explained away as confusion.
We talk with elderly women who have lived for decades in destructive relationships and say 'that's just how it is.' It's so shameful to talk about it as violence
Anna Maria Crabo from Tantjouren Norrköping noted that elderly women themselves don't always recognize they are experiencing violence. "We talk with elderly women who have lived for decades in destructive relationships and say 'that's just how it is.' It's so shameful to talk about it as violence," she explained.
The survey also revealed concerning attitudes toward elder care, with 41 percent of respondents expressing little or very little confidence that elderly people are treated well within the care system.