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Elder abuse is an issue in our community. With World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June, here’s how we can all help.
Elder abuse is any act that harms an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, like a family member, friend or carer. It takes many forms, including emotional, financial or physical abuse, as well as neglect.
We can all help prevent elder abuse – often driven by ageism and unequal power – by noticing the signs, taking concerns seriously and knowing where to get help. We can also work to build respect, inclusion and dignity for older people.
Paul Were, managing lawyer of the elder abuse response program at Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC), says early support is critical.
‘Seeking help as early as possible can make a significant difference, as these situations often escalate quickly and early intervention can prevent them becoming more serious,’ says Paul.
He says around 60% of people supported through ECLC’s elder abuse response program are experiencing abuse by their adult children. Many cases arise from shared living arrangements.
‘These can involve older adults living with family members and experiencing emotional abuse, or situations where a family member initially provides support but then begins to misuse or control the older person’s finances,’ Paul says.
‘We also see cases where adult children or other family members are living in the home but not contributing to expenses, or where an older person has contributed significant funds towards building works or a granny flat, and that contribution is not recognised or repaid.’
In one case, a woman living in a granny flat on her daughter’s property experienced both physical and financial abuse. Family members controlled her bank accounts, and denied her access to money she was entitled to, including her entitlement to her late husband’s estate.
‘With our support, she was able to secure her safety and recover more $490,000, which allowed her to purchase a new home where she felt safe and independent,’ says Paul.
