QCOSTARICA — The year is on track to surpass the previous record of crimes where the victims are the elderly. In 2023, 6,390 cases were recorded and this year, with the last quarter still to go, there are already 6,182 cases.
The effects are varied, but the assets of people aged 65 and older are usually the main target.
A quarter of the complaints (1,596) are linked to scams. Both physically and virtually, are deprived of their property and money.
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In second place is ideological falsehood. In this section, information about people is entered into official documents to dispose of their property, without them being aware of it. To date, 446 complaints have been filed.
The third important focus is disobedience to authority. There are 351 cases, mainly linked to non-compliance with protection measures ordered by courts.
Finally, there is a long list of crimes against seniors, including robbery, abandonment and sexual crimes.
Prosecutor Edgar Barquero, focused on the protection of people in vulnerable conditions, explained that there is a wide range of regulations to protect the well-being of seniors from the legal environment.
This line starts from Article 51 of the Political Constitution, which recognizes this population as deserving of special protection:
The family, as a natural element and foundation of society, has the right to special protection from the State. Likewise, mothers, children, seniors and people with disabilities will have the right to this protection.
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There are two additional regulations:
- Penal Code: Article 142 defines the responsibilities of those who do not protect and abandon this population.
- Comprehensive Law for seniors: outlines the principles of protection and specifies which offences against this population should be treated as crimes. This covers figures such as domestic violence, aggression, degradation or exploitation.
The elderly population is among the groups that can receive professional attention for the collection of complaints. In addition to legal professionals, professionals in psychology and social work can join the judicial team.
When approaching the elderly, the scenarios are seen whether they are with their family or not. The issue of caregivers is also seen.
“It is very common, unfortunately, that it is the family circle of a person who is responsible, or at least suspected, of carrying out this type of aggression,” said Barquero.
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In these scenarios, the call is always to pay attention to the position of the elderly. Also to changes in their behavior and in the perception they present about individuals around them.
In addition to judicial entities, the Council for Older Persons (Conapam), the Ombudsman’s Office and the Fuerza Publica (national police) can also be involved in caring for this population.
In addition to filing the respective complaints with them, another key recommendation is to file the cases with 911. These calls allow for better tracking of the cases and for the creation of the respective coordination.
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