Page 127 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

Male residents also faced cruel and degrading conditions that led, in the case of one institution,

to closure but with the residents being transferred to an even more remote facility, where it was

doubtful whether staff would have more qualifications or training than the previous care home.

In 2002, the NGO Mental Disability Rights International (MDRI) received reports concerning cases
of sexual harassment, exploitation, rape, or other forms of violence at three institutions in Kosovo.

The management of the institution and UN authorities were informed about cases of abuse at a

facility for people with mental disabilities; however, known abusers had not subsequently been

removed from day-to-day contact with former victims.

At Pristina University Hospital, MDRI had also received reports about sexual abuse of women by

staff.

A year later, MDRI continued to express concern at the lack of progress in effectively addressing
abuses. The same organization has published reports on abuses of people in institutions in several

other countries.

A common thread in these reports is the shortage of well-trained and equipped staff, including

nurses.

4.4 Elderly Patients

4.4.1 Witnessing the Effects of Violence

The rapid growth of the elderly population in many high-income countries is one of the most
significant demographic changes of recent decades.

Increased life expectancy has led to a higher number of older individuals living with chronic

illnesses, physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, and social dependency.

116 Academic Year 2025/2026