DVDs educate about elder abuse
Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) has launched 2 DVDs to raise awareness and minimise the risk of abuse of older people in our community.
Pictured from left to right: Doris Gioffre (ARAS), Ms Katrine Hilyard MP, Marilyn Crabtree (CEO ARAS) and Louise Herft (ARAS) at the DVD launch.
The DVDs, titled ‘Living a Positive Life’, outline positive steps that older people can take to safeguard their interests and maintain control over their own lives, and offer preventative strategies to reduce the risk of being abused.
Research indicates that one in twenty people aged 65 years and older experience some form of abuse – physical, financial, psychological, social, sexual or neglect – often by someone the older person trusts, such as a son or a daughter.
ARAS produced the DVDs with support from Office for the Ageing SA Health, to encourage older people to engage with their communities, and promote strong community connections.
The DVDs can be used as an educational tool by those working with older people in the community. They will enable older people to engage and create conversations about the scenarios and how they can apply those ideas and take positive steps to safeguard their rights.
Marilyn Crabtree, chief executive officer of ARAS, believes the promotion of the DVDs will build awareness raising and confidence amongst older people.
She says: “Elder abuse has no boundaries and happens in all communities and cultures. The DVDs will provide organisations, service providers and community groups, with a series of key messages that can assist older people to stay connected, stay active, stay healthy and stay in control within their community.”
The DVDs were launched in Adelaide last week by the South Australian Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Katrine Hildyard MP.
To find out more or to order the DVDs contact ARAS on (08) 8232 5377.
