Elderly people who are being abused by family members are encouraged to speak out.
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Warrnambool police Acting Sergeant Shannon Kavenagh said elder abuse was a complex and hidden problem that occurred in the community.
She said often family member or friend abused the older person, who did not report it for fear, shame or because they loved the perpetrator.
“Elder abuse can violate an elderly person’s right to feel safe and it can be a controlling behaviour or act which frightens or intimidates,” she said.
Acting Sergeant Kavenagh said elderly people were abused regardless of their gender, sexuality, culture, ethnicity, religious or socio-economic background.
She spoke about the abuse at a Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) forum in Warrnambool on Tuesday.
The national aged care peak body met with members from Merindah Lodge South West Healthcare Camperdown, Edgarley Home, Moyne Health Services, Heywood Rural Health, Sunnyside House, Lyndoch Living, Cobden District Health Services and Barwon Health as part of a regional visit.
Acting Sergeant Kavenagh explained the different forms of abuse which could include financial, physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, social abuse or neglect.
“Financial abuse can be using someone’s money, property or assets or making someone change their will or sign documents,” she said
Emotional abuse is behavior that torments, intimates or harasses and may be offensive. She said examples included threatening to hurt pets and withholding access to grandchildren.
She said neglect was when someone failed to provide the person with basic necessities, either intentionally or unintentionally, whereas social abuse could include stopping the person from participating in an activity they enjoyed.
“If a member of the public is experiencing any of these forms of abuse I strongly encourage them to speak out,” she said.
“Let somebody know. It could be police, a church group, a trusted family member or a community services agency.
“People need to be aware that this goes on in our community. It needs to be recognised and help sought. If abuse is taking place, police will investigate,” she said
She said people 65 years and over were considered an elder person.
LASA chief executive Sean Rooney said representatives would continue to advocate for improved systems and mechanisms to end elder abuse.
“We will do what we can to support providers and the wider community in identifying and resolving these often complex cases,” he said.
“LASA is a strong advocate for the delivery of safe, quality care and welcomes the national dialogue regarding elder abuse being undertaken by the Australian Law Reform Commission.”
Mr Rooney said law reform commission inquiry findings into the laws and frameworks to safeguard older Australians from abuse was due for release in May.
