In a society where the well-being of our elders should be paramount, it is distressing to acknowledge that elder abuse remains a pervasive issue. According to the National Ageing Research Institute, one in six Australians over 65 (or over 55 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) fall victim to elder abuse. Given this concerning statistic, understanding how to protect yourself and loved ones has never been more important.
Defining Elder Abuse:
The World Health Organisation defines elder abuse as any single or repeated act that inflicts harm upon an older person within a relationship built on trust. This mistreatment can take on many forms and affects both genders, however, Senior Rights Victoria highlights that women constitute the majority of victims in Australia. By educating ourselves on the various forms of elder abuse, we can work to tackle this growing concern together and help create a safe Victoria for all, no matter the age.
Identifying Perpetrators:
Elder abuse can be carried out by anyone, such as one’s intimate partner, their adult children, grandchildren, and even their professional caregivers. However, according to Victoria Police, adult children and grandchildren are most commonly the perpetrators of elder abuse in Australia.
Reporting Elder Abuse:
Sadly, many elder abuse victims suffer in silence, often due to feelings of shame or fear. This is especially true when the older person is dependent on their abuser. Alternatively, the abuser may rely on the older person for accommodation or other needs, further complicating this matter. Reporting instances of elder abuse, whether experienced firsthand or witnessed in others, is therefore crucial.
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, here are some steps you can take:
In an emergency: Dial Triple Zero (000) for immediate help.
Police Intervention: Contact your local police station to report elder abuse. Victoria Police takes decisive action to protect victims, including issuing Family Violence Safety Notices or Intervention Orders, investigating criminal acts, and referring both victims and abusers to community support services.
Report Anonymously: If you are suspicious of elder abuse happening to a family member or friend and there is no immediate danger, you can report anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or making a report online.
Further resources:
Victorians can also contact a support service for advice. Seniors’ Rights Victoria has a free confidential helpline: 1300 368 821 or you can visit their website seniorsrights.org.au. Additionally, the National Relay Service can help with a call if you are hard of hearing or have difficulty being understood verbally. The Translating and Interpreting Service can offer interpreters in more than 150 languages if English is difficult for you.
Further Resources
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