Suzete Carbonell Leal

Brazil Longevity Movement, Brazil

Title: Temporary Housing For Elderly Victims Of Violence

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Biography

Dr. Suzete Carbonell Leal, MSc in Biomedical Gerontology, Specialist in Aging and Elderly Health, PhD in Health Sciences (Cardiology), and Coordinator of the *Movimento Longevidade Brasil-RS* (Brazil Longevity Movement – RS Chapter). Technical Collaboration: Dr. Ana Luiza Caruso, Police Delegate for the Elderly in Porto Alegre, RS; holds a law degree from the *Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos* (2001) and a specialization from the *Escola Superior da Magistratura* (AJURIS, 2002).Carolina Fonseca Raymundo, Psychologist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Coordinator of the *República da Pessoa Idosa* (Elderly Residence) at *Rede Calábria*, Porto Alegre, RS; Alejandra Vásquez, Psychologist, violence specialist, Master’s candidate in the Rights of the Elderly, Deputy Manager for the Protection of Rights for the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, and President of the Council for Addressing Violence at the Public Health Association (*Asociación Salud Pública*).

Abstract

Population aging is one of the primary demographic processes in Latin America and the Caribbean. In Brazil, this rapid increase in the number of older adults presents significant challenges for social protection, healthcare, and justice systems. Rio Grande do Sul is the state with the highest proportion of older adults in Brazil: 20.15% of its population is aged 60 or older—equivalent to 2.19 million people—according to the 2022 Census (IBGE). Porto Alegre, the state capital, is considered the "oldest" capital city in the country, with approximately 21% of its residents over the age of 60—between 292,000 and 320,000 people—surpassing both state and national averages.

DEVELOPMENT:

Violence against older adults in Brazil represents a serious public health issue and a fundamental violation of human rights. According to the Civil Police, this scenario involves various forms of abuse that affect all social classes. It is estimated that 1 in every 10 older adults experiences some form of abuse; the majority of these cases—approximately 80%—occur within the home and are predominantly psychological or physical in nature.

Of the 65,488 recorded instances of rights violations between January and April 2025 (according to the National Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office – ONDH)—with neglect, abandonment, torture, and a lack of access to healthcare and food being the most frequent forms—approximately 10% of elderly individuals report having experienced some type of abuse.

CONCLUSION:

The proposal provides immediate protection, based on technical and operational parameters, an intervention model, an interdisciplinary core team, protocols for admission, confidentiality, crisis management, and discharge, as well as intersectoral coordination—all with a focus on prevention and sustainability.