IT IS TIME TO ACT

The term 'Elder Abuse' was not in my vocabulary until about 3 years ago. It was in a search for help for a friend who had been abused that I came across the term on the internet.

Since then I have learnt a lot about the subject.

Elder abuse that leaves physical evidence e.g. sexual assaults, domestic violence and neglect in nursing homes etc.. is more easily recognised.

Those perpetrators who inflict emotional and psychological damage are more difficult to identify. There are no laws in place to handle such issues in Australia. My own experience has been that of :

"Don't waste your time. Get on with your life. We can't help. It's a family issue etc.."

What I found in approaching government agencies regarding the emotional and psychological abuse (plus a prevention of the victim from getting a decent place to live and to have proper access to his assets) was the unbelievable responses:

Is he incapacitated? He still have his faculties? Sorry, we can't help you.

He has assets? Go to his solicitors.

Son has the power of attorney? Apply to have that revoked. (just that the victim cannot do that as he wasn't the one who initiated the poa.)

I cannot help but recall the public views on child abuse all those years ago; where people tended to look the other way because it does not affect them and it was something that occurred within families.

I appeal to those who have access to the internet to help publicise this important issue.

Together we can make law-makers, politicians and the public take notice.

SHINE A LIGHT ON ELDER ABUSE

IT'S A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE

TAKE A MINUTE TO SPEAK OUT FOR THE VOICELESS

.............. ANDREW