Age Concern Launches ‘Guardians For Justice’
Age Concern Bermuda is launching a new advocacy campaign ‘Guardians for Justice: Protecting Our Seniors’ to “raise public awareness and drive legislative reform that will strengthen protections for Bermuda’s aging population against all forms of abuse.”
A spokesperson said, “The campaign calls for vital changes to the Senior Abuse Register Act [2008], improved enforcement of the Domestic Violence [Protection Orders] Act, and the establishment of a Public Guardian’s Office to provide oversight and advocacy for seniors who are at risk.”
According to recent data from the Ageing & Disability Services, 161 reports of senior abuse were received in the past year, including:
- 35% physical abuse
- 28% financial exploitation
- 23% psychological abuse
- 11% neglect
- 3% sexual abuse
“These numbers are more than statistics — they are a wake-up call,” said Mercedes Pringle-DeSilva, Executive Director of Age Concern Bermuda. “Our seniors are being harmed by those closest to them — and many suffer in silence. This campaign is about giving them a voice, a defender, and a future free of fear.”
“Our advocacy priorities:
- Amendments to the Senior Abuse Register Act to broaden protection
- Support the creation of a Public Guardian’s Office with powers to intervene and advocate
- Empower the Registrar and related authorities with improved investigative and enforcement authority
- Calling for increased transparency and accountability in the abuse reporting process
The spokesperson said, “This is a movement to ensure that every Bermudian senior can age in safety, with dignity and support.
“To support the campaign or get involved, visit ageconcern.bm or call 238-7525.”
