Sadly, elder abuse exists worldwide, and World Elder Abuse Awareness Week is held June 15th – 22nd to give some focus to this issue.
During this week the Elder Abuse Response Support team at Age Concern Wairarapa (ACW) will be out and about sharing information to help prevent and stop elder abuse and will be placing information in libraries across the Wairarapa. Statistics show that approximately 10% of people aged 65 or over experience elder abuse, and last year Age Concern New Zealand’s response teams supported more than 3000 older New Zealanders to take the positive steps to address and stop abuse and change their lives.
Last year Age Concern New Zealand’s response teams supported more than 3000 older New Zealanders to take the positive steps to address and stop abuse and change their lives.
Elder Abuse is defined as ‘a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person’. Psychological, financial and physical abuse, as well as neglect and self-neglect, are all forms of
elder abuse, 84% of which is carried out by family members including adult children and their partners, and grandchildren.
The important thing to know is that elder abuse and neglect are never okay, and that they are preventable. Speaking up, asking for help, or checking in on someone can make a powerful difference. We have two Elder Abuse Response Support workers here at ACW, who will work with someone if they have their consent to do so. Everything is carried out in confidence, and all options for support are discussed with a client so that they can take control of their pathway. You can call the Elder Abuse Response Helpline 0800 326 6865 or contact the team at Age Concern Wairarapa on 06 377 0066 or email ears@acww.nz or eanp@acww.nz
