Elder Abuse Prevention & Assistance

What is Elder Abuse?

It has been estimated that more than 1,500 cases of elder abuse in Canberra every year.

There's NO Excuse

What is Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People?

Any behaviour that within a relationship of trust that harms an older person

Who is at risk?

Older people across any cultural, racial, religious, socio-economic and educational and backgrounds may experience elder abuse or mistreatment

What is regarded as abuse or mistreatment of older people?

Financial Abuse

The illegal or improper use of an older person's money or possessions

Psychological Abuse

Causing fear or shame, intimidation, humiliation, or making threats

Physical Abuse

Inflicting pain or injury eg hitting or slapping, restraining, over medicating or refusing medicine

Sexual Abuse

Sexually abusive or exploitative behaviour, including rape, indecent assault, sexual harassment and indecent behaviour

Social Abuse

Preventing a person from having social contact with family or friends

Neglect

The intentional or unintentional failure to provide necessities of life and care

Why don't we hear more about it?
Those who experience abuse may;

• Feel ashamed to admit that a person close to them mistreats them
• Blame themselves or think that it is their fault
• Be frightened of what might happen to them if they tell about their situation
• Be worried of what other people may think
• Think that people may not believe them
• Feel isolated socially and/or physically

Many factors may contribute to Elder Abuse:

• Increased isolation from others
• Language and cultural barriers can restrict the knowledge about services or access to them
• Family members might feel that it's their duty to provide care to ageing parents and refuse to accept outside assistance
• The widening cultural gap between the generations of the family
• A family member might be financially dependent on the older person
• The abuser might have an addiction or mental illness
• A carer may experience significant stress
• A person suffering from dementia might contribute to the carer's stress

Older people have the right to;

Self Determination and Dignity

Older people have the right to make their own decisions on matters affecting their lives

Feel Safe

To live safely, free of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation

Self Fulfilment

To be able to develop their own interests and to participate in educational, cultural, spiritual and social activities

Access Information and assistance

To access information and assistance that is culturally and linguistically appropriate

Participate in the community

Share their knowledge, contribute to the community and be an active member of society

 

Elder Abuse Information and Referral Phone Line

The Elder Abuse Information and Referral Phone Line provides support, information and referral to services that may assist with abusive situations. This service is available to older people, their family, friends and others who are concerned about elder abuse. This line also assists service providers who work with older people who may be experiencing, or at risk of abuse. The line operates Monday to Friday during business hours (see number below).

If you are in immediate physical danger you should call the Police on 000 or 131 444

Elder Abuse Information and Referral  Phone Line
Contact Numbers
Phone (9 am to 5pm)	(02) 6205 3535

For crisis assistance after hours telephone the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (see number below).