At the opening of the conference marking the World Day for Awareness of Elder Abuse, held under the theme “Human Rights and Dignified Ageing: A Commitment of Society,” the Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Labour and Youth, Paula Margarido, defended a policy of zero tolerance towards any form of violence against older people and assured that the Regional Government will continue to implement measures to protect and support the senior population.
While acknowledging that cases of elder abuse do exist in the Region, Paula Margarido noted that many incidents go unreported to the competent authorities. She explained that factors such as shame and fear often prevent victims from reporting these situations to the criminal police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Secretary stressed that the Regional Government will continue to act through appropriate legal instruments, while also reinforcing the importance of awareness campaigns and close monitoring of elderly citizens.
Among the measures currently being prepared, Paula Margarido highlighted the creation of the Statute of the Elderly Person in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, describing it as a “Magna Carta of rights for older people.” The legislation is presently being reviewed by several regional departments and is expected to be presented publicly once the consultation process has been completed.
At the same time, the Regional Government is preparing amendments to the Informal Caregiver Statute, which was approved in Madeira in 2019 in a pioneering initiative at the national level. The objective is to strengthen the benefits and conditions granted to informal caregivers, thereby providing more effective support to older people.
Paula Margarido also warned of the need to combat not only physical violence but also psychological abuse, which is frequently identified by home support teams.
“We must never normalise violent behaviour, especially psychological violence,” she said, advocating the creation of trusting relationships with older people so that they feel safe enough to report abusive situations and recognise that such behaviour has no place in a society that promotes active ageing and respect for human rights.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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