World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: June 15

Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person that is usually committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust - such as a partner, family member, friend or carer. Elder abuse can come in many forms including physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual abuse and can include mistreatment or neglect.  

Seniors Rights Victoria manager Jenny Blakey says that "financial abuse is the most common form of abuse reported through our helpline." 

In some cases, family, friends and carers may not know that their actions amount to elder abuse.  

Ms Blakey says that a lot of victims of elder abuse are reluctant to make changes that could benefit them.  

"Some people have been so abused within their situation that they lack a lot of confidence to make those changes," she said. "If the abuse is coming from a son or daughter, they also want to maintain that relationship." 

"We want to help older people have the confidence to assert, manage and preserve their rights," she said.  

Seniors Rights Victoria offers free confidential advice through their helpline, as well as ongoing assistance from lawyers and social workers, if needed.  

 “We live in a culture that values youth,” Ms Blakey said. “Older people are not accorded the same respect as younger people,” she said. “It’s really important that we have an integrated and respectful society because our lifespan is longer than ever before.” 

The World Health Organisation describes elder abuse as a "violation of human rights and a significant cause of illness, loss of productivity, isolation and despair." It is an issue that not only affects the person who is impacted directly, but also the wider community. 

Research published by the UN has shown that the global population of people aged over 60 years will more than double to about 1.2 billion in 2025. Around 4 to 6% of elderly people have experienced some form of mistreatment at home which can result in serious physical injury and long-term psychological consequences.  

As the world's population ages, the number of elder abuse cases is also predicted to rise. It is a social issue that affects the health and human rights of millions of older people globally.  

Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries. It affects both men and women, people from different cultural backgrounds as well as people with different levels of education and wealth.  

"The distressing crime of elder abuse often occurs in quiet, private settings, making a vocal, public response that much more important. Let us strengthen our resolve to end this problem as part of our broader efforts to create a life of dignity for all." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  

If you are experiencing elder abuse and want to know what options are available to you, call the Elder Abuse organisation in your state:

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS)
Website: www.adacas.org.au
Phone: (02) 6242 5060

NEW SOUTH WALES

The NSW Helpline and Resource Unit
Website: www.elderabusehelpline.com.au
Phone: 1800 628 221

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Darwin Community Legal Service
Website: www.dcls.org.au
Phone: 1800 037 072

QUEENSLAND

Elder Abuse Prevention Unit
Website: www.eapu.com.au
Phone: (07) 3867 2528

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Aged Rights Advocacy Service
Website: www.sa.agedrights.asn.au
Phone: (08) 8232 5377

TASMANIA

Advocacy Tasmania
Website: www.advocacytasmania.org.au/elderabusehelpline.htm
Phone: 1800 441 169

VICTORIA

Seniors Rights Victoria
Website: www.seniorsrights.org.au
Phone: 1300 368 821

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Advocare
Website: www.advocare.org.au
Phone: (08) 9479 7566