A pessoa idosa e o diagnóstico da governança local na proteção de direitos: o relato de experiência do município de Governador Valadares - MG

Abstract

Violence against the elderly constitutes a serious social and public health issue in Brazil, directly affecting the quality of life of this population. The municipality of Governador Valadares, located in eastern Minas Gerais, is certainly not immune to this reality, with recorded instances of various forms of violence affecting aging men and women. This study aims to analyze the issue of violence against the elderly in Governador Valadares, highlighting the types, causes, and consequences of such violence, as well as the coping mechanisms available in the municipality. To this end, a review of literature and documents was conducted, drawing on legislation, institutional reports from the local Municipal Council for the Elderly, and scientific literature. The findings indicate that the primary forms of violence against the elderly in the region include neglect, psychological abuse, financial abuse, and to a lesser extent, physical abuse. The study underscores the importance of the social protection network, including the Public Prosecutor's Office, the specialized police unit, the Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS), the Specialized Social Assistance Reference Center (CREAS), and the Municipal Council for the Elderly, in addressing this issue. It concludes that there is a need to strengthen public policies and raise public awareness regarding respect for and the care of the elderly.