Elder Abuse Awareness Week 15-22 June

Elder Abuse Awareness Week

Elder Abuse Awareness Day was first commemorated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 and officially recognised by the United Nations in 2011. Elder Abuse Awareness Week takes place between 15 and 22 June, with the 15th recognised as the official awareness day.

The purpose of EAAW is to publicity put the spotlight on elder abuse, and older people’s rights to live free from exploitation and abuse. It highlights elder abuse to the whole community and ensures people have an understanding of it. It encourages people to break the silence and get the support they deserve.

What is Elder Abuse

Unfortunately, elder abuse is prevalent in New Zealand but often not reported. However, we can all play our part in speaking up, so older Kiwis can be free from the fear, mental anguish, emotional pain, and distress the elder abuse causes.

The impact of elder abuse is profound for older people, but also avoidable if they get help and intervention services early. It is a myth to think that elder abuse is not family violence - it is! And like any family violence, we all need to step up and call it out and report it when we see or suspect it. We all have a role in supporting the wellbeing of older people in our community. Some forms [of elder abuse] are quite subtle and may be hiding in plain sight. When we take the time to understand elder abuse, society is much better placed to support those affected to get the help they deserve.

The statistics around elder abuse are alarming but also only a small portion of cases are reported. In the year from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 there were: 2768 cases were seen by Age Concerns across New Zealand of which 73% had the abuse substantiated. Of these cases:

·       83% of alleged abusers were relatives, 55% were adult children or grandchildren.

·       64% of cases the abuse lasted longer than 3 months, and 30% longer than a year.

·       89% of cases included psychological abuse.   

·       37% of cases involved financial abuse.

·       30% of cases involved neglect or self-neglect.   

·       18% of cases involved physical abuse.

What Age Concern Nelson Tasman Does

We are very fortunate at Age Concern Nelson Tasman to have three specialist Elder Abuse Advisors. Mal and Kate cover the Nelson/Richmond area and Tanya is based in Motueka and covers the Motueka/ Golden Bay area. They each bring their own set of skills and knowledge that complement each other, and work closely to ensure the best possible outcome for people who are referred to the Elder Abuse Response service.

We listen, support, signpost, and co-ordinate a multi-agency approach to resolve abuse issues. A key part of an Elder Abuse Advisor’s role is to work alongside a person experiencing elder abuse offering support and advice, to help people understand what they are experiencing and ensure they are safe. Elder Abuse Advisors have no statutory powers but provide information and non-judgemental advice for people to act for themselves. They can work out solutions/outcomes but it is up to the person whether they do it. We work with people who may have been identified as being vulnerable so we find people who can support them.

Another key part of the role is education and raising awareness around elder abuse issues. For example, those doing the abusing are not always aware what they are doing and sometimes this stems from them not receiving the support they need.

Key Message:

Our Elder Abuse Advisors have some key messages around elder abuse which they hope will become widely known and understood.

Kate: Often it is difficult for older people to speak out about abuse. However, reaching out and breaking the silence is essential to seeking support. People experiencing elder abuse are victims of a crime and are not to blame. We invite people to contact Age Concern for an informal chat and see how we can help.

Mal’s message to those wanting to help: Respect an older person’s rights but also be available to help if you are in a position to do. It can be a fine line between being available and controlling (no one likes to be controlled) but let it be known you are available should the older person want your help.

Tanya: Elder abuse is never ok. If you have concerns, reach out, there is free and confidential advice available 24hrs a day on 0800 326 6865. Or you can phone Age Concern Nelson Tasman directly on 5447624.