Breaking the silence on elder abuse

A frail mother aged in her 80s raises her hands to cover her face, attempting to shield herself from her adult 40-year-old son.

It is the sad, but true, common case of elder abuse, and it is happening right here in Australia.

A conference, held in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Adelaide this Wednesday, 15 June 2011, detailed many alarming case studies, which highlighted the increasing number of elderly victims abused by strangers and even relatives.

While graphic photos of elder abuse victims were shown to the hundreds of people who made their way to the Adelaide Convention Centre, the reality and extent of abuse among older people was disturbing as it was eye-opening.

The stand-out message given by police officers, health professionals and elder abuse advocates indicated a form of abuse which is often under reported in the media and very little legislation is in order to prevent elder abuse.

DPS eNews listened as Minister for Ageing, Jennifer Rankine, took to the stage during the conference’s official opening, with clear and truthful words.

“Elder abuse is very important, but it is a hidden issue,” Ms Rankine said.

Another strong message to come from Ms Rankine’s speech was the difficulties faced by elderly people when reporting crimes of abuse – whether physical, sexual, mental or financial.

“It takes courage for elderly people to report abuse,” she said.

“Nobody wants our mums or dads to be a victim of elder abuse, but by speaking up, justice can be restored.”

Ms Rankine said while some legislation could support and protect elderly people through abuse, it was an issue that needed to be “supported by the whole community”.

In an inspiring and passionate speech from international guest speaker, deputy district attorney in the office of San Diego, California, Paul Greenwood, echoed Ms Rankine’s thoughts, suggesting there was “too much silence” surrounding elder abuse.

“We need to break the silence. It (elder abuse) is a crime, not just a social issue,” he said.

Mr Greenwood is a criminal prosecutor and has been involved in the prosecution of more than 400 felony cases of elder and dependent adult abuse, both physical and financial.

He has prosecuted nine murder cases, and obtained a first degree murder conviction in seven of the cases.

‘Naming’ and ‘shaming’ abusers was a high priority for Mr Greenwood.

“We need to screen who we put in charge of our elders. We need to hold people accountable for their actions, and we need prosecutors that specialise in certain areas, such as elder abuse,” he said.

“All victims deserve our utmost response. Elder abuse is exploding. It is going unpunished and it is escalating,” he continued.

He pointed out elder abuse was anywhere and everywhere, and was not restricted to metropolitan areas.

“If you have elders in rural areas, you will have elder abuse,” Mr Greenwood said.

He spoke passionately about common misconceptions surrounding elderly people in the courtroom, and said we needed to encourage our elders to speak up about elder abuse and to not be afraid.

“Many people believe elderly people make horrible witnesses,” he said.

“I am telling you now, elderly people make brilliant witnesses,” he continued.

Mr Greenwood’s touching final words exuded honesty, and sent a strong message to our elders who may feel alone, vulnerable or helpless during times of crisis.

“We respect and honour you. We are seeking justice for you and we will do so with passion, purpose and perseverance,” he said.

Break the silence. There is ‘no excuse for abuse’. Share your thoughts on elder abuse and tell us what you think needs to happen to put an end to this disturbing problem.