For older people who might have originally come to Australia as migrants, there are additional barriers to seeking help, like social isolation, or lack of language skills when it comes to reporting abuse. However, resources are available to assist migrant communities.
What is elder abuse?
Source: Department of health
The World Health Organisation defines Elder Abuse as any single or repeated act, or lack of action in a relationship "where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person."
Elder abuse affects up to 10 per cent of the worldwide population but most cases go unreported.
In 90 per cent of elder abuse cases, the perpetrator is a family member. “Overwhelmingly, the experience at both Advocare and through research shows that sons and daughters are the most likely abusers of older people.” – CEO Advocare, Greg Mahney.
Older people who have limited English language skills or literacy are often prone to elder abuse by their family or friends.
What are the signs?
Older people who have limited English language skills or literacy are often prone to elder abuse by their family or friends.
Source: Pexels
“It's very easy for those people to get the elderly person to sign something that they didn't understand what they are signing.” - Aged Care Manager, Alexander Abramoff.
The most common form of elder abuse is financial
Elder abuse doesn’t only mean forms of physical abuse – it also covers psychological abuse, economic abuse and neglect.
The most common is financial abuse. It can be stealing money from an older person, forcing them to change their will or forging their signature on a bank document.
Some people use a Power of Attorney to abuse older people – taking over the management of their financial and legal affairs.
Source: Pixabay
“Language abilities limit the network of older migrants and also limits their understanding of financial or legal decisions.” - Aged Care Manager, Alexander Abramoff.
How to get assistance?
Source: NSW Elder Abuse prevention
There are no mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse in any Australian state or territory.
However, each state or territory has an organisation supporting victims of elder abuse. If you or someone you know may be suffering from elder abuse, assistance is available.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from elder abuse, assistance is available.
But reporting abuse is harder if the victim doesn't speak much English. If you speak a language other than English, contact the National Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50. And if you can't call the helpline, there are other people whom you can confide in like your GP, a faith leader or even a friend you trust.
Raising Awareness
Source: NSW Elder Abuse prevention
The UN supports the principles of independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity for older persons. Its General Assembly designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
to oppose the abuse inflicted on older people, most commonly by their families. This year’s theme is ‘We Can Stop Elder Abuse’. You can get involved by participating in a community event or by organising your own event. For example, you could wear purple on the day, plant a tree, organise a morning tea or plan a walk to raise awareness!
Find out more:
Find information in your language:
Useful links and phone numbers
Helpline: 1300 368 821
Helpline: 1800 628 221
Helpline: 1300 724 679 (Perth)
1800 655 566 (rural)
Helpline: 02 6205 3535
Helpline: 131 444
Helpline: 1300 651 192
Helpline: 08 8232 5377 (Adelaide)
1800 700 600 (rural)
Helpline: 1800 441 169
