Australia must focus on delivering the action needed to stop elder abuse or risk tens of thousands more older Australians being abused, COTA Australia says.
The call marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day today, 15 June.
COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow said elder abuse remains a significant and often hidden problem affecting older Australians across the country.
“One in six older Australians experiences abuse, often at the hands of someone they know and trust,” Ms Sparrow said.
“Too many older people experience abuse behind closed doors, often from a family member, while many never seek help because they fear the consequences of speaking out.
“The impact can be devastating, affecting a person’s health, wellbeing, financial security, independence and quality of life.”
Ms Sparrow said the Federal Government’s recently released National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People provides an important framework for addressing the issue.
“For the first time, the national plan recognises that ageism itself can drive the abuse and mistreatment of older people. If we are serious about ending elder abuse, we must also tackle the ageism that allows it to occur,” she said.
“For many years the conversation has focused on what happens after abuse occurs. Prevention is equally important if we want to reduce the number of older people experiencing harm in the first place.
“It is also clear that no single system can solve this problem alone. Preventing abuse requires coordinated action across governments, communities, health services, aged care providers and the legal system.”
Ms Sparrow said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was a reminder that meaningful change will depend on what happens next.
“A national plan sets the direction, but real progress will depend on whether it is backed by concrete action, sustained investment and clear accountability,” she said.
“We know financial abuse remains one of the most common forms of elder abuse, yet inconsistencies in Power of Attorney laws across Australia continue to make prevention and enforcement more difficult.
“Harmonising these laws should be a priority if we are serious about protecting older Australians from abuse and exploitation.
“The true measure of success will be whether older Australians are safer, better supported and less likely to experience abuse in the years ahead.”
Ms Sparrow said every older Australian deserves to live free from abuse, neglect and mistreatment.
“This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we are calling on governments, communities and individuals to work together to ensure every older person can live with dignity, respect and security.”
Need information or advice on elder abuse now? Call 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374). In an emergency call 000. 1800 ELDERHelp is a free national phone service that automatically redirects callers to elder abuse support services in their state or territory. Operating hours vary between jurisdictions.
Media contact: Tamara Kotoyan, 0430 291 890 or Alana Mew, 0419 929 722