Elder abuse by family members at home in Japan stood at 17,281 cases in 2020, the highest number ever, 25 deaths

December 27 2021

From The Yomiuri Shimbun

TOKYO – On December 24th, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the results of a survey that the number of cases of abuse of elderly people at home in 2020 increased by 2.1% from the previous year to 17,281 cases, a record high. There were 25 deaths, an increase of 10 from the previous year. It seems that the background is that the spread of the new coronavirus has increased the burden of care at home by refraining from going out and refraining from using long-term care services.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the most common content of abuse by family members (multiple answers) was “physical abuse” (68.2%) such as beating, and “psychological abuse” (41.4%) such as voicing abusive words. “Abandonment of long-term care, etc.” (18.7%), which does not provide necessary long-term care, continued.

The number of cases of abuse by care workers decreased by 7.6% from the previous year to 595 cases, which was the first decrease since the investigation started in 2006. There were 3 deaths (down 1 from the previous year).