Psychological Abuse Tops Elder Mistreatment in Flanders

A new report released ahead of the International Day Against Elder Abuse reveals that psychological abuse has become the most prevalent form of violence against elderly people in Flanders, surpassing physical violence, financial exploitation, and neglect. Data from the Flemish Support Center for Elder Abuse (VLOCO), Centers for General Welfare (CAWs), helpline 1712, Tele-Onthaal, and health insurance funds shows that an average of 30 reports of elder abuse are registered every week in Flanders, totaling 1,562 cases in the past year.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, psychological abuse accounts for approximately 29 to 30 percent of all reported cases, making it the single most common form of elder mistreatment. Financial abuse follows at 19 percent, while physical violence and neglect each account for 18 percent of reports.

The Hidden Nature of Psychological Abuse

“People automatically think of physical aggression, but psychological abuse remains by far the most common form,” said Lily De Clercq, coordinator of VLOCO, in an interview with HLN. “What is often said are things like ‘You’re a burden to us,’ ‘If you keep being so annoying, I won’t come anymore,’ or ‘Can’t you do anything right anymore?’ Because psychological abuse leaves no visible traces, it is often underestimated.”

De Clercq emphasized that the abuse frequently occurs within the victim’s immediate environment — perpetrated by partners, children, family members, or caregivers. The power imbalance created by dependency makes it particularly difficult for victims to speak out. “We see very clearly that dependency plays a major role,” she said. “When someone needs help with daily care, there is an increased risk of boundary-crossing behavior.”

Vulnerable Groups and the Tip of the Iceberg

The data reveals that certain groups are disproportionately affected. Women account for 70 percent of victims in VLOCO cases. Additionally, 40 percent of victims have physical disabilities or health problems, 17 percent live with dementia, and 13 percent face psychosocial challenges.

Experts across all sources agree that the 1,562 reported cases represent only a fraction of actual incidents. As De Morgen reports in an interview with Marijke Dheedene, director of the Flemish Elderly Council (Vlaamse Ouderenraad), many cases go unreported due to shame, fear, and the complex dynamics of dependency.

“It’s not easy to say to someone who cares for you: I don’t want this,” Dheedene told De Morgen. “When children come by daily to care for you, but suddenly there’s an argument and that person says: if you keep acting like this, I won’t come anymore. It’s very difficult when that message comes from someone you depend on — for your care, but also for your daily social contact.”

Distinguishing Abuse from Mistreatment

A critical nuance in the Flemish approach to elder mistreatment is the distinction between intentional abuse (“mishandeling”) and unintentional mistreatment (“misbehandeling”). The latter often stems from caregiver stress, overload, and frustration rather than malicious intent.

“The difference between abuse and mistreatment is important,” Dheedene explained. “Abuse is intentional, mistreatment is not. It’s more about overwhelm, stress, or frustrations that bubble up.” The Flemish Elderly Council is advocating for more respite care (“respijtzorg”) — temporary professional care that gives family caregivers a break, helping to prevent burnout and boundary-crossing behavior.

A Growing Policy Challenge

The findings come as VRT NWS reports that VLOCO has been calling on the Flemish government to make elder abuse a structural part of policy. The organization points to Brussels as a model, where the GIBBIS federation requires care institutions to annually demonstrate they have addressed the issue through staff training and awareness programs.

In Brussels, VRT NWS reported that Infor-Homes Bruxelles and Homes-Info received over 770 calls in 2024, with 342 dossiers opened — 72 percent of which related to institutional settings such as nursing homes and care centers.

Breaking the Silence

For those experiencing or witnessing elder abuse, help is available. The helpline 1712 offers free, anonymous support for questions about abuse and violence. As Dheedene emphasized: “The first step is always to break the silence, and 1712 can certainly help with that.”

With Flanders’ aging population and the UN reporting that 1 in 6 older adults worldwide experiences some form of abuse, the need for awareness, prevention, and structural policy responses has never been more urgent. The International Day Against Elder Abuse on June 15 serves as a reminder that psychological abuse — though invisible — leaves deep and lasting scars.