Elder Abuse—An Examination of the Situation in Jamaica

Jamaica is a Caribbean island, that has been classified as a middle-income country but faces numerous economic challenges. The country is experiencing population ageing similar to other developing countries. While there is neither a formal reporting system nor national surveillance statistics for elder abuse, this chapter will explore available crime statistics, hospital statistics and available qualitative cases to describe the situation of elder abuse in Jamaica. National studies on the 60 and over population will be used to identify known risk factors and potential for abuse. The family will be highlighted as one of the settings within which abuse occurs. Finally, the chapter reviews available public policy documents and the potential for state response and other possible avenues for identification and prevention.