SERVICE providers working with the elderly in the region have undergone training on how to identify and respond to cases where older people are being abused.
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Shocking research suggests as many as 50,000 elderly people in NSW have experienced some form of abuse, with the majority of culprits being trusted family members, neighbours, friends or paid carers.
Subsequently the Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit was in Bathurst this weekend delivered free training to service providers.
Kerry Marshall, a senior consultant with the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit, said recognising and responding to abuse was essential if society was to eliminate and prevent the abuse of older people.
“With an ageing population, the number of cases of elder abuse will continue to rise unless there are strong efforts towards prevention and intervention,” she said. “The help- line has received over 3000 calls since inception with a 50 per cent increase in the last year as more people become aware of the service via events such as the training in Bathurst.”
Ms Marshall said this figure only scratched the issue’s surface.
“It has been suggested that 4.6 per cent (one in 20) of older people nationally may experience abuse; many of these incidences go unreported, with one in five reported,” she said.
Ms Marshall said the abuse suffered was inflicted by a person whom the older person trusted, often their own children.
“Many people are not surprised to discover sons are perpetrators in 32 per cent of reported cases, but are surprised to learn that daughters are almost equally represented at 31 per cent,” she said.
“Financial and psychological abuse are the most frequently reported abuse types. It is common for two or more abuse types to occur concurrently, with psychological abuse, for example, often coexisting with another abuse type such as neglect, physical or sexual abuse.”
The NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit (EAHRU) was a government-funded service that receives up to 120 calls per month.
“We provide support, information and referrals to anyone who witnesses, experiences or suspects abuse. It is a free, confidential and anonymous service that focuses on the rights of the older person. Anyone can call the helpline on 1800 628 221,” Ms Marshall said.
