Criminology: Phenomenon on Elder Abuse in Negeri Sembilan Based on Case Reports

Malaysia is currently undergoing a significant demographic shift characterized by a rapidly aging population due to declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy. Alarmingly, reports indicate that 9.0% older adults in Malaysia have experienced abuse and neglect. Elder abuse can, left untreated, have serious and often deadly consequences for victims. The abuse of the elderly is recognized as a form of domestic violence. While elder abuse is a recognized global issue, it remains significantly underreported in Malaysia, particularly in Negeri Sembilan, where only two cases have been reported to the police department from 2000 to 2023. This study aims to address this underreported issue and delve into the case reports from a victimology and criminology perspective. It is hypothesised that the underreporting of cases, as evidenced by the scarcity of reported incidents, may be attributed to the victims’ reluctance to implicate family members. Additionally, older adults may not always recognize their experiences as abusive and may lack awareness of where to seek help. Analysis revealed that both victims were unemployed, and physical abuse was prevalent, shedding light on the motives and methods of abuse. Hence, both cases are drawing theory of social exchange and caregiver stress to explore the dynamics between victims and perpetrators. This study underscores the importance of raising awareness about elder abuse and evaluating the effectiveness of awareness campaigns