Be aware of elder abuse
The right to a safe and secure old age free from abuse and neglect is one of the most basic human rights, seniors lobby group, National Seniors, says.
The right to a safe and secure old age free from abuse and neglect is one of the most basic human rights, seniors lobby group, National Seniors, says.
With World Elder Abuse Awareness Day celebrated last Saturday, National Seniors chief executive, Michael O’Neill, believes it’s imperative people are alert to the possibility of elder abuse becoming more prevalent in society as more and more people live into their 80s, 90s and beyond.
Reports indicate that financial abuse forms about 50% of all abuse perpetrated against older people. Elder abuse can include financial, emotional, physical, sexual and psychological abuse and neglect.
Financial abuse is defined as illegal use, improper use or mismanagement of a person’s money, property or financial resources by a person with whom they have a relationship implying trust.
Research indicates that the years from 75 to 85 years are the times when abuse is most likely to occur.
“And due to the hidden nature of elder abuse, it is difficult to determine its full extent accurately,” Mr O’Neill says.
In a recent case in Queensland where an elderly mother was severely neglected by her daughter, the Deputy State Coroner found there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the daughter under existing laws.
The Deputy State Coroner referred the matter to the Attorney General for further investigation into the adequacy of current laws.
Mr O’Neill claims cases like these highlight the need to strengthen laws that cover elder abuse and make a stronger framework to protect older Australians.
Last month National Seniors provided input to the United Nations as part of its feedback process in developing a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. Issues raised by National Seniors included equality, non-discrimination, security and protection.
