What usually defines ‘elder abuse’ as opposed to other forms of abuse of an older person, is that it involves that breach of trust.
In Australia, like the rest of the world, we have thankfully become much more aware of some of the ‘hidden’ forms of human rights abuse in the community. Child sexual abuse and domestic violence, for example, have been squarely in the spotlight in recent years and continue to be.
‘Elder abuse’, while growing in recognition, has been generally less widely acknowledged.
The UN describes elder abuse as a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older people around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.
To recognise and help to address the problem of elder abuse, the United Nations General Assembly (in its resolution 66/127, if you want to check!) designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on some older people.
According to the UN, around four to six per cent of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. This figure is likely to rise as many countries experience rapidly ageing populations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates it is up to 10 per cent already.
What is elder abuse?
Broadly speaking, elder abuse is any act of harm to an older person that is committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust – such as a partner, family member, friend or carer.
Elder abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, psychological, social and/or neglect. It could include pressure from family to sell your house or move into aged care, being asked to hand over money, physical assault or neglect, being kept away from friends, verbal abuse, threats, and more.
What usually defines ‘elder abuse’ as opposed to other forms of abuse of an older person, is that it involves that breach of trust. In fact it is a form of family violence and it can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
Dealing with even the mildest form of abuse can be very complex and emotionally fraught.
In recent years, as the issue has gained acknowledgment in communities all around the world, there has been a proliferation in sources of information, helplines services and resources to draw upon, for anyone who needs them.
Help available
We have listed some of the main services in each State here, plus some national resources, but there are many others offered by local government areas as well as many care service providers.
If you have any concerns about abuse involving yourself or someone you know, there is always someone there to listen and help.
And there are lots of events being planned for World Elder Abuse Prevention Day that you can get involved with, including wearing the purple ribbon. Remember, it’s all about the colour purple!
Find assistance on elder abuse:
General information:
- The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older people
- Elder Mediation Australasia Network
Victoria
- Seniors Rights
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) activities in Victoria may be found on Seniors Rights Victoria’s website too
WA:
- Link on Department of Local Government and Communities WA
- Link to Advocare site and WEAAD activities in WA
SA:
- Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS)
- Find WEAAD information activities and events in SA
QLD:
- QLD Department of Communities ‘Trust your instinct’ program
- Elder Abuse Prevention Unit
ACT:
- Elder Abuse Prevention unit – ACT Department of Communities
Tasmania:
- Information in NT is on the Police, Fire and Emergency website
And remember…
“All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights, and have the right to age with dignity, respected by their families and communities, free of neglect, abuse and violence. “
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
