The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has launched a new awareness campaign to shine the light on elder abuse in Australia’s suburbs and communities.
Marking the International Day of Older Persons last Thursday (1 October) by announcing the campaign , the Commission said it included a ‘hard-hitting video’ that revealed the ‘red flag phrases’ which could indicate an older person was experiencing elder abuse.
“Pre-COVID-19, the Australian Institute of Family Studies said it was likely that between two per cent and 14 per cent of older Australians were experiencing elder abuse in any given year, with financial abuse the most prevalent form,” the AHRC said.
It said it was concerned the COVID-19 pandemic had heightened the risk of elder abuse for some older people in Australia
Age Discrimination Commissioner Kay Patterson said elder abuse was a human rights scourge that had no place in the community.
“Social isolation is a driver of elder abuse – and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased social isolation for many older people,” Dr Patterson said.
“Financial pressures on adult children are a driver of financial elder abuse – and the economic fallout of COVID-19 has increased those too,” she said.
“This is a perfect storm.”
Dr Patterson said everyone needed to know the signs of elder abuse and understand that it could happen to any older person, regardless of their background or lifestyle.
“I hope this campaign helps more people to recognise the ‘red flags’ and know that they can do something about it,” she said.
“Together, we can all help end elder abuse.”
She said elder abuse could be financial, physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or be in the form of neglect.
Dr Patterson said anyone who experienced, witnessed or suspected elder abuse could call the National Elder Abuse phone line on 1800ELDERHelp, 1800 353 374.
The powerful video leading the AHRC’s campaign, including more information about the topic, can be accessed at this PS News link. Note the video included sound.
