Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Dr. Justyne Caruana, at a news conference today announced a draft bill which would provide for stiffer penalties on those who commit crimes of abuse against the elderly.
The press conference was held on the occasion of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which takes place on the 15th of June each year.
The Parliamentary Secretary added that through the Secretariat, it must not only raise awareness, but also combat the abuse of any kind towards the elderly, and stressed that there is not only a moral obligation to take care of older members of our family, but a legal one as well.
“This does not mean that the state should resile from the responsibility to provide services – indeed this government will increase and improve the services even among community services and respite night shelters in the community,” Dr Caruana said.
The Parliamentary Secretary also announced a series of other laws which are planned, including a draft law to appoint a commissioner for the elderly, and an amendment to the the Civil Code as well as a comprehensive law, to protect vulnerable adults.
She also announced that as from next month “a massive outreach exercise will begin in the community to help identify the needs of the elderly.”
Dr Caruana concluded by appealing to anyone “who knows of a case of abuse being committed against an elderly person, to report it because we have to ensure the enforcement of the law on abuse against the elderly.”