By Bonny Burrows
Harrowing statistics by Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) reveal an estimated 500 senior Cardinia Shire residents could be victims of elder abuse at any one time.
The startling numbers were publicised during a talk by SRV at Cardinia Shire Council headquarters as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June, highlighting the “often hidden” form of abuse.
During his speech, SRV’s community education co-ordinator Gary Ferguson defined elder abuse as “any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as family or friends”.
It didn’t happen in every family, he said, however with a “rapidly increasing” ageing population the number of cases was expected to rise.
Currently, up to five per cent of people in Australia will experience elder abuse at some time, or about 500 of Cardinia’s 11,584 residents over 60.
Of that, Mr Ferguson estimates the majority would be financial abuse, followed by psychological and domestic violence.
Women are three to four more times likely to be victims of elder abuse – the reason is still not known – and despite common belief, Mr Ferguson said most were cognitively aware and able to make decisions for themselves.
Tragically, he said, the perpetrator was most often the victim’s adult son – 43 per cent of the time – or daughter – 28 per cent of the time – usually between the ages of 35 and 55.
Mr Ferguson said this often influenced a victim’s decision to stay silent, as they often wanted to retain a relationship with the person responsible.
“So how do we help someone who won’t come forward?” an audience member asked during the talk.
Mr Ferguson said it was very difficult and something seniors groups were working on tackling, with one current idea involving reaching victims through libraries.
The aim, he said, was getting the victim to talk in a comfortable, non-threatening environment, and helping them to understand that the goal was to stop the abuse occurring, and not necessarily placing charges.
For those who have elder abuse disclosed to them, he had some advice – raise awareness, don’t ignore it, be non-judgemental, talk about it early and encourage safety.
“Above all else we don’t want people in this position to have any barriers, we want them to have easy access to support,” Mr Ferguson said.
He said there was a lot of work to be done, but hoped that by raising awareness people would understand what constituted elder abuse and why it was not okay.
If you are experiencing elder abuse, or know someone who is, phone SRV on 1300 368 821 between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
