World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is held on 15 June to highlight one of the worst aspects of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse.
Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.
In many parts of the world, elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. It is a global social issue that affects the health, well-being, independence and human rights of millions of older people.
According to the World Health Organization, rates or estimates of elder abuse in some developed countries range from 1 to 10 per cent. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious.
The number of persons aged 60 and over is expected to double by 2050. Elder abuse will likely increase with this growth in the population of older people. The Australian 2016 census counted people aged 60 and over to be 21.4% of the national population, and 11.6% of the Northern Territory population.
Financial exploitation is a common problem. Many older people are victim of theft, forgery, and denial of access to funds. Risk factors that make older people more vulnerable include poverty, social isolation, cognitive impairment and dependence on the perpetrator.
Raising elder abuse awareness is important in making what has been a hidden topic more visible. Addressing elder abuse must take into account culturally specific risk factors. Protective factors include support to carers, improved standards of care in institutions, mandatory reporting, emergency shelters and helplines.
If you notice elder abuse you can talk to the older person to find out how they feel about the situation, and talk to family and carers about issues such as neglect as they may not be aware that this is a form of abuse. If you observe physical violence you can talk to professionals and report to police.
You can inform yourself, raise awareness, talk to your family and friends, inform older people of their rights, and assist older people to be more socially connected.
Useful resources can be found at:
Darwin Community Legal Service – Elder Abuse Report Line Ph: 1800 037 072
Council on the Aging NT (COTA NT), http://www.cotant.org.au/territory-seniors-calendar/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/
Culturally Directed Care Solutions, https://cdcs.com.au/elder-abuse-what-you-can-do-about-it/
