ELDER abuse is becoming an increasing problem, according to Far South Coast police domestic violence liaison officer Joanne Flood.
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Senior Constable Flood said older victims of abuse tended not to report it.
She said the victim could be dependent on his/her carer, who might become violent when threatened.
An abusive carer could undermine a relationship with an older person’s doctor or his/her autonomy in legal matters, such as wills.
The victim might also suffer social isolation.
Constable Flood said elder abuse was not new and some older people accepted long-term abuse.
“It’s been going on for decades or years, so they’ve come to accept it as normal – and it’s not,” Constable Flood said.
She said elder abuse was becoming a bigger problem, but remained underreported.
She said shame might contribute to people’s reluctance to report the offence.
Constable Flood said the two most common examples of elder abuse were financial and emotional, how-ever neglect and physical and sexual abuse also occurred.
An offender might skim an older relative’s money, sell possessions or pressure a relative to change a will.
Emotional abuse included intimidation, harassment and humiliation.
According to January 2014 data from NSW Police, a son was the offender in 30 per cent of cases of elder abuse, a daughter in 21 per cent and a spouse or partner in 15 per cent.
“As a community, we need to speak up,” Constable Flood said.
“People need to speak up if they know something is happening in the family.
“A lot of people think they’re sticking their nose in or interfering – they’re not.
“It’s a crime and it needs to be reported so that person can get help.”
Constable Flood said the victim might not be strong enough to report it themselves.
“They may need their friends or a neighbour to be their spokesperson to speak up and get help,” she said.
“Even if it’s not police, get them to a counsellor or a doctor who can refer them on to other services which might help them get out of that situation.”
Constable Flood said the first step was calling the Elder Abuse Hotline, a confidential service offering information, advice and referrals for people who experience, witness or suspect the abuse of older people.
To access the service, phone 1800 628 221.
