Speech-World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023

Meg raised World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, as a Special Interest Matter, on Tuesday, 27 June 2023.

Ms WEBB (Nelson) – Mr President, I rise to talk about an important, concerning and often hidden issue in our community – that of elder abuse.  It is an issue that is highlighted on 15 June each year on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which aims to build community understanding and promote preventive initiatives and services. 

The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as:

A single or a repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. 

This definition points to the common situation where elder abuse is typically perpetrated by an adult family member, a friend, a trusted acquaintance, and it often happens within the home. 

Nationally and globally, it is acknowledged that ageism plays a role in elder abuse.  Ageism and associated negative attitudes towards the experience of ageing can contribute to an environment in which individuals who abuse older people, fail to recognise that their behaviour constitutes abuse. 

Ageism can also mean that other members of society fail to notice these negative behaviours or take action to stop them, and that older people experiencing elder abuse may blame themselves or be too ashamed to seek assistance. 

Australian research tells us that one in six older people in our community are likely victims of elder abuse, with the most common types of abuse being psychological abuse and neglect, followed by financial and physical abuse – and then, in some cases, sexual abuse. 

To be more specific, elder abuse might be a family member taking an older person’s money or possessions, neglecting their care, making threats, stopping their social contacts, belittling them and their capacity, overriding their decisions about their own life, or being physically rough or physically punishing of them. 

The quality of life of an older person is significantly affected by elder abuse due to the loss of trust, dignity and self-esteem. Elder abuse can also lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences, and it is typically under-reported.

Mr President, it is vitally important that we provide affective avenues for people seeking information and support, and it is essential that support and care are available to end the abuse and to help an older person regain their quality of life and sense of self-worth.

As this issue has become better understood, effective advocacy has resulted in every state and territory in Australia now having developed elder abuse strategies, campaigns to raise awareness, and services and education about elder abuse and its effects.  Here in Tasmania we have the Lifelong Respect:  Tasmania’s Strategy to End the Abuse of Older People (Elder Abuse) 2023-2029, which was developed in conjunction with the statewide Elder Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee.

A key part of the response in all states has been the establishment of an Elder Abuse Helpline.  Tasmania’s Elder Abuse Helpline has the number 1800 441 169 and is operated by Advocacy Tasmania.  It is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday by sensitive and knowledgeable people who provide information and direction to appropriate services. 

In addition to the helpline, Advocacy Tasmania provides support to protect the rights of older people receiving aged care services in residential aged care facilities, or in their own home, by helping them to be heard and understood in their rights and wishes.

We also have Tasmania Legal Aid, which operates Senior Assist.  That number is 1300 366 611 and offers a free and confidential integrated legal and support service, with case managers working alongside lawyers for older Tasmanians worried about or experiencing elder abuse.  Legal Aid also partners with COTA Tasmania to provide regular free legal clinics in both Hobart and Launceston for older people with concerns about any legal matter, including elder abuse.

Finally, we have further support available through the Elder Relationship Service offered by Relationships Australia Tasmania.  That includes both mediation and counselling services to support older people and their families who need help negotiating complex issues related to the older person or caring for the older person. 

While government strategies and funded services are an excellent start, there is always more work to do, which is why every year on 15 June we mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  This is a day that families, students, community members, workers and volunteers can unite to raise awareness of elder abuse and the ageism that sits behind it.

A visible part of that day is the Walk Against Elder Abuse, held in Tasmania in Hobart, Burnie and Launceston.  I was very pleased to join the Hobart walk again this year, along with some other members from this place.  Each year we meet in the Elizabeth Street mall – many dressed or adorned in purple as the colour associated with elder abuse awareness – and we walk around the central city block with signs and banners, making visible this issue that is too often still hidden.

This year’s walk concluded with a gathering in front of Mathers House in Bathurst Street, where we heard from a range of dignitaries – and, importantly, this year from a lady called Francine, who spoke to the crowd as someone with a lived experience of elder abuse.  It is always particularly impactful to hear about this issue not just in theory, but in human terms, directly from someone who has personal experience.  I thank Francine for her courage in sharing her story and assisting us to better understand elder abuse.

Thank you also to COTA, the peak body for older Tasmanians that arranges the walk each year.  Congratulations in particular to Craig, their CEO, Lisa, the general manager, and Lyn, the Elder Abuse Prevention Project Officer for another positive and successful event this month.  [OK]

In conclusion, I invite all members to remain aware of and better informed about elder abuse in our community and I will mention again the Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline which can be reached on 1800 441 169.