The Federal Government must deliver stronger national action to prevent elder abuse, provide meaningful support to victims, and support older people facing family and domestic violence, the Council on the Ageing Australia (COTA) says.
The call marks World Elder Abuse Day – Sunday 15 June.
Acting Chief Executive of COTA Australia – the leading advocacy organisation for older people – Corey Irlam said the statistics around elder abuse in Australia are shocking.
“More than one in six older Australians will experience elder abuse, and over 60 percent of older people don’t seek help – often because they fear retaliation, isolation, or not being believed,” Mr Irlam said.
“Elder abuse can have devastating consequences, including physical harm, mental health decline, cognitive impairment, premature death and financial devastation.
“Too often the abuse comes from someone they know and trust. It’s happening in homes and families across the country, but it remains hidden. We need to face it, fund responses to it, and take it seriously,” said Mr Irlam.
COTA Australia is calling on the Federal Government to ensure the upcoming National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2024–2034 includes clear, funded commitments.
“We need tailored support services for older people, especially older women,” Mr Irlam said.
“That includes older women experiencing late-life domestic violence or coercive control – a group that’s often invisible in both family and domestic violence and aged care systems.”
Mr Irlam said while there is much to do in Australia to address the scourge of elder abuse, the Federal Government should be commended for its international leadership when it comes to protecting the rights of older people.
“We really welcome Australia’s role in pushing for stronger protections for older people globally,” Mr Irlam said.
“Australia co-sponsored the recent UN resolution to develop a new international convention on the rights of older persons and we’re looking forward to seeing Australia actively participate in the working group drafting the convention.
“We encourage the Government to continue its leadership in the international community and make sure that civil society organisations, including older people themselves have a role to play in shaping the convention”
“Australia is certainly doing the right thing on the world stage, but at home, too many older people are still falling through the cracks.”
“This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we’re saying clearly: older people deserve safety, dignity and real support. It’s time to act.”
Need information or advice on elder abuse now?
CALL 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374). In an emergency call 000. This free number will redirect you to an existing phone service near you. This is not a 24-hour line. Call operating times will vary. A collaboration between the Australian, state and territory governments.
Media contact: Tamara Kotoyan, 0430 291 890 or Alana Mew, 0419 929 722