Purple power for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Seniors groups and staff from organisations across Maroondah will be donning purple ribbons and ‘going purple’ today to break the silence and unite against the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people. 

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a day to promote respect and dignity for older people, and a day to wear purple, the colour which represents dignity, peace, wisdom and independence. 

Thanks to Seniors Rights Victoria, Maroondah’s public libraries at Ringwood and Croydon will be providing free bookmarks to help raise awareness about elder abuse, as well as information about where to get help. 

Maroondah Council’s Meals on Wheels and Planned Activity Group clients will also be given a purple cookie on the day to open up discussion about elder abuse.

Maroondah Mayor Cr Nora Lamont said the Council was proud to lend its support to this initiative to raise awareness of the need to break the silence against many forms of neglect, violence and exploitation that far too many seniors fell victim to. 

“Neglect, abuse and bullying, being humiliated, threatened, extorted or pressured about money, these are all acts of elder abuse,” said Cr Lamont, Council’s representative on the Maroondah Community Safety Committee. 

“Older people have the right, just like people of all ages, to live safely free from harm, abuse and exploitation. Any actions that breach this right are a form of abuse. 

“Unfortunately, it remains very much a hidden problem, with elderly people often fearful of the consequences of speaking out.

“Also sadly, there may be family, friends and carers who may not know that their actions amount to ‘elder abuse’, which often goes unrecognised and unreported, so it’s important that we bring attention to this silent epidemic and social tragedy,” Cr Lamont said. 

What is ‘elder abuse’? 

According to Seniors Rights Victoria, elder abuse is a problem that affects around 154,000 older Australians 

About nine out of 10 perpetrators of elder abuse are related to the victim, research shows.

Abuse can take many forms, with Australian figures showing that elderly people are at greatest risk of financial and psychological abuse, followed by physical abuse and neglect 

It may involve taking someone’s money or possessions, not providing necessary care, making threats, or stopping an older person’s social contacts, as well as physical or sexual abuse, and often occurs at the hands of someone they trust. 

“As our population ages, the number of people affected will increase, so it’s more important than ever that we raise awareness of elder abuse and challenge negative attitudes towards ageing,” said Jenny Blakey, Manager of Seniors Rights Victoria. 

“Older people are essential in the fabric of our society. It’s time for us to acknowledge their importance and recognise they are entitled to the respect of their communities, and especially their families,” Ms Blakey said. 

In most cases, elder abuse is an intergenerational form of family violence. In 2016, people aged 60 years and over made up just over 5,400 of the family members affected in family violence incidents recorded by Police Victoria. 

Unfortunately, victims of elder abuse are often reluctant to disclose what is happening because they feel shame and embarrassment and want to protect their children, while others may feel responsible for their behaviour or fear reprisals, such as not seeing grandchildren.

The World Health Organisation estimates up to 10 per cent of older people worldwide are affected. 

The Eastern Community Legal Centre

The Eastern Community legal Centre (ECLC) has had a focus on raising awareness amongst the community of the growing prevalence of elder abuse for over a decade; including hosting the largest elder abuse prevention network in Australia.

During the past year, ECLC has been delivering the Matter of trust prevention program to address increasing reports regarding financial elder abuse.

The project aims to:

Conduct stakeholder consultations to understand the cultural practices that allow financial abuse to occur; Produce written resources to educate communities on financial elder abuse Conduct community education sessions Distribute resources throughout culturally and linguistically diverse communities

“ECLC supports WEAAD and will continue to develop elder abuse prevention programs and projects in a quest to build capacity in the community to prevent the occurrence of elder abuse,” ECLC chief executive Michael Smith said.

Where to get help 

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact Seniors Rights Victoria’s free, confidential Helpline on 1300 368 821 Monday to Friday.  

Seniors Rights Victoria will provide legal services and advocacy to any Victorian aged 60 and above, or to any Indigenous Victorian aged 45 and above, on matters relating to elder abuse and ageing.