Agencies working in communities around the country, including Wanganui, reckon elder abuse is as big an issue as child abuse. And as with child abuse, they want it to stop.
Tomorrow is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and purple ribbons are being used as emblems to recognise the day.
AgeConcern NZ said each day its staff around the country receive an average of four calls about abuse or neglect.
But unfortunately, this is the "tip of the iceberg", according to Ann Martin, the organisation's national chief executive.
"Elder abuse destroys lives. We've seen it cost older people their life savings, health, home, dignity and security. It's an issue that warrants serious attention," Ms Martin said.
She said elder abuse takes many forms, including financial, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Neglect was also a form of abuse.
Ms Martin said Age Concern was tackling elder abuse in a number of ways that included working with other agencies to support and empower older people, challenging ageist attitudes and representing older people in Government submissions.
