crime

Report finds serious abuse of disabled by relatives, caregivers

14 Comments

The abuse of disabled people has emerged as a major problem in Japan with the violence most often inflicted by family members or domestic carers, according to a government survey.

The nationwide report, the first of its kind, found 1,699 confirmed cases of physically or mentally disabled people being abused over a six-month period.

Nearly 80% of the victims were abused by relatives or domestic caregivers, it said.

The incidents included physical abuse, verbal attacks, neglect and embezzling funds, said the welfare ministry survey published on Monday.

The study, carried out after legislation to prevent such abuses went into force last year, found other victims were abused by welfare facility staff or in the workplace.

A ministry official said the figures could just be the tip of the iceberg, with many victims unwilling or unable to seek help.

"Some people may not be able to speak out due to fears they might be kicked out of the facility they live in, or that they might lose their jobs," the official said.

Public broadcaster NHK has reported on the case of a 77-year-old man in a nursing home who suffered more than 70 separate injuries, including a broken nose and arm, during a 13-year-period.

He was unable to report the abuse to visiting relatives due to a brain injury suffered in a traffic accident.

Authorities are investigating the facility in southern Japan.

© (c) 2013. AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

14 Comments
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So sad :(

2 ( +2 / -0 )

This

The nationwide report, the first of its kind,

and this

carried out after legislation to prevent such abuses went into force

seem to mean the legislative process is backwards. First, ban X then find out if X exists. I'm glad, however, that Japan has finally determined that abuse against the weak is not good.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Unfortunately this is not only limited to Japan. Abusing people who can't protect themselves is really the lowest form of abuse and should be punished hard.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

So wrong indeed to those with daily-life challenges! It appears that most politicians do not give serious attention to this and other abusive problems. My heart goes out to all those in suffering.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I live near a large handicapped care center (one of the few) and regularly see them in transit with their caters. I've seen the handicapped slapped, dragged and screamed at. The carers pay little attention to their patients and only speak to chastise them. I've also seen them with their parents and it is the same. They have no patience or give care to them. Nobody smiles. They are not carers. They are keepers and that is all. I've always been shocked by their treatment and this enquiry proves my concerns were justified.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

This is happening worldwide, as families no longer live in one house with multiple generations, and cannot care for their senior citizens. Include managing the increasing number of cases of dementia, other mental and physical illnesses, basic work overload and you end up with highly stressed carers. Some of these places are cynically called "God's waiting room"…families and relatives just waiting for them to die, no longer able to communicate with them, but it may take 10~20 years.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The main thing we need to consider is the burn out of people giving care, they are also human and often we see carers get burned out and stressed from giving care. The government needs to spend a more on elderly care and look after those who are giving care.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This doesnt surprise me at all! Japan is not kind to small children so what makes people think they would be kind to the elderly! No child care facilities no elderly care centers or slack their of. Most japanese fail to realize this is how they start and finish doesnt surprise me at ALL!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Huge problem in America as well

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

It is so sad when a disabled person's personal health, safety, and emotional well-being becomes a risk, along with their ability to engage in daily life activities. Unfortunately some of these people get disrespected and discriminated in society. As a private citizen if you ever suspect a person being abused you could offer to support the individual in handling the situation. Some primary resources are good listening, abuse prevention and referral to community services. In a worst case scenario you can contact the police or adult protective service and be a good samaritan

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I also live near a handicapped (and combined elderly daycare) facility and regularly see them on the street and on the occasions when I visit.

I have never seen the slightest abuse, but instead there is nothing but quiet patience, smiles, and support. I have a great deal of admiration for the tough jobs these caregivers have on a daily basis.

I guess Disillusioned has a had different experience, but I wanted to point out that really it does not fit my own direct observations. Nor the general attitude of the profession as a whole in Japan.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Japan is not kind to small children

No child care facilities

I have raised 3 children in Japan and I disagree absolutely with these comments.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

The local Governments attempt (Minato-ku for example) to provide Support for family members who're caring for their own family members is a joke - well in-fact, it's not even a laughing matter. In essence, if you're in the situation of having to care for a family member who's become disabled, then you're on your own - "Shogunai", you can't really continue your day job.

Invetiably, this means you either need to put that person into a "home" for others to look after at your own complete expense, And if your loved one's situation was as a result of local medical negligence / ignorance - you'll never be able to prove that under Japanese rules... so "Shogunai".

Now, if you try to attempt to look after that person by yourself, you're at risk of being Found guilty of Negligence... which could be anything from simply leaving the person alone for a 1/2 an hour whilst you pick up their kids.. simply because you can't afford to pay someone else to do that for you!

All together, this pretty much encourages a Suicide requirement for anyone becoming disabled.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Maybe this old guy was fighting and didn't want to do what the caregivers were instructing him. I have seen that before.

Plus, alot of stubborness from the staff and patients (oldies).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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