ELDER ABUSE. A GUIDE TO IDENTIFYING AND HOW TO REPORT IT
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING VIOLENCE, NEGLECT OR ABUSE?
Everyone has a right to live in a respectful and safe environment. Some people do not feel safe. They may experience violence or abuse from a partner, another family member or other person who lives in their home or residential facility.
They may experience abuse from a neighbour, or a carer who is meant to be looking after them. There are things you can do to protect yourself from violence or abuse. What Is Elder Abuse? Elder Abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. (World Health Organisation 2002)
Who can be affected? Abuse can be experienced by men and women from all cultures and races and by both rich and poor. An abused older person may live on their own or in a household. They could be taking care of themselves, caring for someone or being cared for by someone.
The person doing the abusing is often someone the older person knows and should be able to trust; such as a daughter or son, grandchild, spouse, other family member, carer or friend. (The Public Trustee, Let’s talk about elder abuse)
TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE
Financial Abuse
The illegal or improper use of an older person’s money or property.
Psychological Abuse
Causing mental anguish, fear of violence, feelings of shame, humiliation and powerlessness.
Physical Abuse
Inflicting pain or injury. It includes hitting, slapping, restraining or over/ under medicating.
Social Abuse
Preventing a person from having social contact with family and friends or accessing social activities.
Neglect
The intentional or unintentional failure by a carer to provide necessities of life to a person who depends on them.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual assault, rape, or any activity that makes an older person uncomfortable about their body or gender
If you or a loved one are experiencing or have concerns about Elder abuse, neglect or violence, please contact
1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374), your local police department or your Care Coordinator