June 17, 2024World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) occurs annually on 15 June and aims to raise awareness and voice opposition to violence, abuse and suffering inflicted on older people.
Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person that has been committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust, such as a partner, family member, friend or carer. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual, and can include mistreatment and neglect. Elder abuse can also lead to serious physical injuries, long-term psychological consequences and death.
Elder abuse is a recognised form of family violence and does not discriminate. It affects both women and men, people from different cultural backgrounds and people for various socio-economic background.
The World Health Organization describes elder abuse as a violation of human rights and the significant cause of illness, loss of productivity, isolation and despair.
The health sector is a critical entry point for people affected by elder abuse which presents as an opportunity to provide medical care, support and pathways to specialist support. Elder abuse is a prevalent and serious health issue that has a profound impact on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victim survivors. Victim survivors are among our community and frequently present to our health service.
Tanya Ellis, Program Manager for Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program, Northern Health, says, “Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries, yet it is significantly underreported.”
“The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries experience rapidly ageing populations. Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older people around the world. It is an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.”
“The warning signs of elder abuse may include an older person seeming fearful, anxious or isolated, or they may have injuries or an absence of personal care. Unexplained changes to legal documents or finances are also of concern. Most elder abuse occurs behind closed doors, so it is important to look out for signs and risk factors of elder abuse and offer support,” she adds.
To help prevent elder abuse, Ms Ellis encourages older people to have their financial, medical, legal and other affairs in order.
“Older adults must also be empowered to recognise the signs of abuse and seek help when needed. WEAAD is an important day to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people, by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.”
Click here for more information on WEAAD.
Support services:
- Seniors Rights Line: 1300 368 821
- The Orange Door Line: 1800 319 355
- 1800 Respect: 24/7 National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service-Ph: 1800 737 732 (24/7).
- Disclose to your health professional today to access support and safety
Featured image: Tanya Ellis, SHRFV Program Manager (second from left) with Sub-Acute Social Workers Lilian Abbew, David Coa and Erin Thompson (Elder Abuse Prevention Network Representative).
