Elderly Victims; Disabilities and Protections

Introduction and purpose: Population aging in Iran is on a steep pace, however, there is still insufficient planning and focus in this area and the regulation of elderly affairs is not adequately supported. An analysis of the current situation and the future outlook suggests that there are disabilities in the present, and that the complexity and challenges of the future will be compounded and expanded in the not too distant future. Therefore, attention to these disabilities and support for the elderly, although late, is inevitable.  The aim of this paper is to explain the elderly victimization as a disability category and to identify the disability and its protection needs in Iran. Methods and Materials: In this qualitative study, document analysis method was used. Referring to the position of the elderly in Islamic and ethical doctrines as well as Iranian regulations, the need to address the elderly victimization and the gaps and challenges of supporting this disadvantaged class have been analyzed and discussed. Results: Identifying and arresting violators of elderly rights and paying attention to their inability to conduct preliminary investigations and other proceedings and generally protecting the legal rights of this category of disabled victims is manifested as criminal protections. However, respecting human dignity, paying attention to the concerns and concerns of the elderly, and expressing empathy and sympathy for them in times of distress are among the essential transcendental support that is facing serious vacuum and challenge in Iran. Conclusion: With the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Code of 2013 and inspired by the approach of restorative justice, although Iranian legislators have considered the victim rights. However, regarding the comprehensive support for disadvantaged victims, especially the elderly, in terms of psychological and medical interventions and other forms of transnational support, there are many legislative, judicial and administrative challenges and gaps.