About 90 percent victims in cases involving parental disobedience are fathers, according to statistics made available by the police. A police source said a video that went viral on social media websites recently showed an elderly man in extremely poor health thrown out of his with his personal belongings. "The man who is also disabled was thrown out by his own son because his wife did not want the old man in their house. The video sparked an uproar on social media as many found it heart-rending," the source told Al-Madinah newspaper The source said people have become disconnected from one another and have lost a sense of loyalty and the heart to care for their elderly parents. Lawyer at Eastern Province Human Rights Commission Huda Al-Sinary said the commission receives many complaints from the public on how poorly the elderly members of family are being treated by their relatives. "The commission is working on protecting the rights of senior citizens. The Ministry of Justice has issued a comprehensive charter on the rights of senior citizens. The commission is working on ensuring that the pertinent authorities are enforcing the articles of the charter," said Al-Sinary. She also said senior citizens have the right to protection from violence. "Senior citizens are the responsibility of society as a whole, just as the children are, especially when their family members abandon them," said Al-Sinary. Social consultant Fatima Al-Dowsary said having grandparents in the family is essential for the healthy development of society. "However when the grandparents are in poor health and require extensive care and expensive treatments, they could become a heavy burden that most families cannot bear on their own. Desperation can lead family members to abandon their elderly parents in protection homes, hospitals or even the streets," said Al-Dowsary. Sayhat Association for Social Services Medical Complex Director Ali Al-Zawad said the old age home at the association is the first such facility in the region. "There are currently 92 residents. What many do not realize is how important it is for family members to visit their parents or grandparents at the shelter. Our inmates feel valued and hopeful about life when they see their blood relatives," said Al-Zawad. He said the association organizes entertainment programs for residents to enliven their spirits and lighten their day. "We focus on having family days or group activities to encourage family members to participate and interact with senior citizens," said Al-Zawad.
