In line with the Respect Victoria government campaign, Pronia is launching a media campaign this week ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness day on Monday, 15 June.
The organisation said in a statement that: “Elder abuse is a form of family violence. It can include ageism – a form of discrimination, stereotyping and prejudice against people based on age…There has never been a more important time for us – as individuals, communities, organisations and government – to support older people across Victoria”.
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Pronia’s Community Education Officer Antonios Maglis said the campaign resources were available in a range of languages including Greek with the overall message that family violence is never acceptable.
According to a fact sheet from the campaign, research is showing that up to 14 per cent of older people may be experiencing elder abuse although the real figures may be much higher because elder abuse is not often reported.
One of the most common forms of elder abuse include financial abuse where the elderly are coerced into giving money to a relative; money is taken to compensate for looking after an older family member or pressure is put to alter wills.
Emotional or psychological abuse is characterised by use of threats and intimidation to make older people feel shame, stress or powerlessness.
Abuse is also shown through neglect in providing adequate food, clothing, shelter or medical attention.
Along with various forms of physical abuse there is also the use of restraints and social abuse in which visits and access to support networks are discouraged and the elderly person’s right to privacy is ignored.
♦ For more information go to the Respect Victoria website.
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