The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has released a fact sheet on the abuse of elderly and disabled people and has encouraged members of the community to report any suspected abuses.
The Department said people could contact the Ageing and Disability Commission now if they had concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older person or knew of an adult with disability caused by someone they know.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect in their own home and community,” the Department said.
“It is not OK to abuse, neglect or exploit anyone, especially vulnerable people, such as an older person or an adult with disability,” it said.
“If you or someone you know is being abused, neglected or exploited, then you need to know what you can do.”
It said people should look out for the signs of abuse and exploitation of elderly or disabled people which included if they didn’t have money for everyday items; if they avoid talking with people and cannot see family and friends when they want to; if they have little access to food, clean clothes or medication; or if they have said someone was hurting them.
The Department’s new factsheet details different types of abuse, neglect and exploitation and the steps people can take if they experience or witness abuse.
The Department’s factsheet can be accessed on its website.
