Elder Abuse – Break the Silence!

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15 shines a light on abuse inflicted on some of our older generations.  

Elder abuse is a serious issue that happens close to home – 75% of alleged abusers are family members. It also thrives in secrecy as older people / kaumatua may feel ashamed about their mistreatment or fear retribution if they speak out about it.

By supporting WEAAD, Age Concern Otago wants to draw attention to elder abuse and remind older people that any abuse they might suffer is not their fault, that they are not alone, and confidential advice and support are only a phone call or email away.

Elder abuse, whether emotional, physical or financial, affects our entire community and we all have a responsibility to respect and protect our kaumatua by breaking the silence.

In order to speak up about elder abuse and prevent it, it’s also important to recognise it’s happening. The following MAY indicate an older person is being abused:

• Unexplained behaviour, sleeping or eating habits

• Withdrawal and/or edginess

• Fear of a particular person

• Confusion

• Unexplained injuries

• Drowsiness (due to over-medication)

• Recoiling from touch

• Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts

• Unpaid bills, lack of money for necessities

Some of the reasons why an older person doesn’t talk to anyone about their abuse are because they:

• blame themselves for the abuse

• are ashamed that the abuser is a family member

• depend on the abuser for support

• have low self-confidence and self-esteem

• don’t want to make a fuss

• are afraid that if they complain the abuse will get worse

• are isolated, making it difficult for them to tell anyone

• do not know who to tell or how to get help

• have dementia or an illness that prevents them from telling anyone

If you have concerns about how you or someone you know is being treated, please speak out.

Age Concern Otago’s Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) is a free and confidential service employing professional staff to work with older people, their families and carers, providing support and advocacy so our kaumatua can be happy, healthy, and safe.

“If you’re the victim of abuse or know someone that is, you don’t need to suffer in silence,” says Marie Bennett EARS Team leader at Age Concern Otago. “Call us on 03 479 3053 or email me at marie@ageconcernotago.co.nz. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.”