Table of Contents
The phenomenon of elder abuse in modern society is increasingly drawing attention worldwide, including in Israel. Older adults are a particularly vulnerable population, often unable to defend themselves and frequently reluctant to report incidents of abuse. This article provides an overview of the prevalence of elder abuse in Israel and highlights practical and governmental measures to enhance the personal safety of seniors and prevent crimes against them.
National Authority for Community Security Initiatives
The National Authority for Community Security operates a range of programs aimed at enhancing seniors’ personal safety and preventing risk situations, in cooperation with local authorities and community organizations:
"Active at Any Age" – Beit Shemesh
- Partners: school students, volunteer parents, and the Parents’ Patrol
- Objectives: empower older adults (seniors who need assistance), strengthen social resilience among youth, and reduce risk behaviors
"Grandpa Comes" Patrol – Ashdod
- Patrol activities near community centers, post offices, and banks, with police briefings
- Volunteers maintain visible presence, engage with residents, and receive ongoing training: empowerment workshops, first aid courses, financial management for retirees
Financial Institutions Awareness Campaigns
- Preventing exploitation of seniors by family members or acquaintances in banks
- Bank staff receive training to identify seniors in distress and assist them safely
Cooperation Between Authorities and Community
Programs rely on collaboration among government, local authorities, and community organizations. Examples of interventions include:
- High-risk area programs: protective devices like whistles and mobile phones for emergency calls
- Safe shopping: escorted trips to stores with police or volunteers
- “Adopt a Senior”: law enforcement officer visits a vulnerable senior weekly and maintains contact
- Youth escort programs: selected teenagers accompany seniors in high-crime areas
- “Fridge Cards”: colorful cards with emergency numbers distributed to seniors
Prevalence of Elder Abuse in Israel
- According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (2017), 6.1% of Israelis aged 65+ experienced at least one crime in the past year
- 86.9% of seniors feel safe walking alone in their neighborhood at night
- Israel Police data show a 52% decrease in violent crimes against seniors over the past decade
- Abuse is frequently underreported due to shame, fear, social isolation, or mobility challenges
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Seniors in Israel
- Senior population: 1,056,000 (11.8% of the total population)
- Projected growth: 15.3% by 2065
- Marital status: 60% married, 25% widowed
- Employment: 22.4% participate in the labor force
- Living arrangements: ~25,000 live with non-family members (usually caregivers)
Government Policy and Legal Protection
- Legislation: mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, stricter penalties for offenders, increased sanctions for severe harm
- Legal assistance: supporting seniors throughout the judicial process, ensuring accessibility, emotional support, and mediation during testimony
- Inter-ministerial committee: national hotline, home security installation, panic buttons, training and awareness campaigns
Programs to Enhance Personal Safety
- Raising awareness: public campaigns and educational content for seniors and the general public on elder abuse prevention
- Providing coping tools: accessible reporting mechanisms, hotlines, and guidance for victims and families
- Professional training: equipping staff and caregivers to identify abuse and respond appropriately
Conclusion
Elder abuse is a prevalent but often underreported problem that requires community collaboration, accessible information, awareness, and professional training. The National Authority for Community Security and other government bodies provide practical programs to prevent, protect, and support seniors, ensuring personal safety and safeguarding their rights.