World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognised annually on June 15 to raise awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
This year’s Queensland Government campaign “Trust your instinct” is aimed to encourage people to call the Elder Abuse Helpline for confidential advice and support if they are concerned that a friend, family member or neighbour is experiencing elder abuse.
Elder abuse is any act within a relationship of trust which results in harm to an older person. The most common forms of elder abuse include emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse and neglect. Sadly, the majority of abusers are close family members, specifically adult sons or daughters, spouses and other close relations.
In Queensland, the most commonly reported forms of elder abuse are psychological and financial abuse, which can be difficult to recognise. Older people experiencing abuse might be reluctant to acknowledge this type of abuse because they are embarrassed or don’t want to appear ungenerous.
It’s important that elder abuse is recognised as a sometimes forgotten area of domestic and family violence. In responding to elder abuse incidents it is critical to remain vigilant in recognising non-physical abuse as elder abuse.
Remember, you don’t need to see it to believe it. Trust your instinct – call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 for support and advice.
In an emergency, call Police on Triple Zero (000).
Elder Abuse Helpline, phone 1300 651 192 (Queensland only) or 07 3867 2525 (rest of Australia), Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
For further information on elder abuse visit www.qld.gov.au/trustyourinstinct.