We can all do our but to help prevent elder abuse. Photo / 123rf
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is an annual initiative that was first launched on June 15, 2006. The United Nations General Assembly designated that date as the day which the entire world voice its opposition to any form of abuse of the older generation.
Elder abuse is a global
problem and it's no different in New Zealand. As with other examples of family violence, it's difficult to know exactly how common it is, because the sad reality is most goes unreported.
A large part of society wouldn't even consider elder abuse part of the family violence problem, but it definitely is. Along with most of the world, New Zealand acknowledges WEAAD on June 15 and it is symbolised by a purple ribbon.
It is estimated that up to 32,000 older people may be experiencing some form of elder abuse each year, but the overwhelming majority does not get reported to the appropriate agencies. One in 10 people aged 65-plus will experience some sort of elder abuse in their lifetime.
There are some noticeable differences with elder abuse compared with other forms of family violence. Physical abuse is not as common, but we see high levels of psychological and financial abuse. Psychological abuse (79 per cent of reported cases) includes threats, humiliation and intimidation. This can create stress and shame which can lead to a sense of powerlessness for the older person. Financial abuse (54 per cent of reported cases) ranges from illegal use of money or assets to coercion, or being pressured into changing wills or signing documents.
