World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15)
It is part of our cultures to treasure and care for our matua (elders) but up to one in 10 elderly people in Aotearoa suffer some form of abuse most closely linked to vulnerability and coercion.
The Office for Seniors has published two short publications on the signs of abuse and neglect to tie in with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15).
Elder abuse is often hidden and those who experience it are frequently afraid to acknowledge it.
Hidden Harm shines a light on psychological abuse of older people, stressing that the thought that elder abuse is mainly physical is a common misconception, leading to a lack of awareness of the psychological harm older people may face.
DON’T LOOK AWAY looks at the complex issue of neglect as it involves what isn't done, rather than what is. It's not about a single instance like a forgotten meal, but a pattern of disregard for an older person's needs, including medical and emotional care. This short guide highlights some of the less obvious signs of neglect. It comes from the complex premise that neglect involves what isn’t done for an older person rather than what is done to them.
HIDDEN HARM focuses on psychological elder abuse, a problem that often goes unnoticed. It's a common misconception that elder abuse is mostly physical, leading to a lack of awareness about the psychological harm many older people face. This short guide explains how to identify its signs.
Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health provider offering Elder Abuse Response Services (EARS). Ngatuakana Kino is based at its West Auckland branch and says that abuse is a growing problem. Read more HERE
You may also be interested in - Honouring our Elders
DON’T LOOK AWAY … REACH OUT FOR HELP – CLICK HERE for list of Pacific Providers
Office for Seniors
Elder Abuse – It’s not ok SPEAK OUT
Phone - 0800 32 668 65
Text – 5032
Email – support@elderabuse.nz
Pasefika Proud is a social change movement – ‘by Pacific for Pacific’ – to boost wellbeing for Pacific families and transform attitudes, behaviours and norms that enable violence. Our name and strapline embody our strengths-based, community-led approach.
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