Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Peel based organisation to highlight elder abuse issues and support networks

To commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day a Peel based relationship support organisation is promoting its services to highlight a need for better responses to elder abuse. Setting up information tables and seminars across the Peel region Relationships Australia is using WEAAD as a way to advocate for older people affected by elder abuse and highlight the ways they can access support. Peel Senior Relationships Service manager Charmaine Kennedy said in many parts of the world elder abuse occurred with little recognition or response. “It is a global social issue which affects the health, well-being, independence and human rights of millions of older people around the world,” she said. A total of 15 per cent of older Australians have faced elder abuse in the last year, according to a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. Ms Kennedy said elder abuse was an issue that needed more community attention. “Our aim is to promote awareness around the hidden problem of elder abuse and to ensure people know where to turn for support,” she said. Relationships Australia WA’s Peel Senior Relationship service provides a free service to those experiencing elder abuse in the Mandurah and Peel region.