Types Of Elder Abuse In Australia

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Nowadays, improvement in medical facilities and lifestyle has increased life expectancy worldwide, resulting in an increased older population. There are many social problems worldwide and elder abuse is most significant. Elder abuse is not common in developing countries, but is a cause of concern in developed countries. In Australia, approximately 13% (2 million) of its population are 65 or above and this will reach 18% in 2021. This problem was unknown in Australia until recently but after the publication of some articles in 1975 it came to light. This essay will focus on elder abuse in Australia, types of elder abuse, risk factors or causes and an evaluation of strategies used to address elder abuse in Australia.
Firstly, it is critical to …show more content…

Physical abuse is one type which means giving physical pain or injury to older adults; for example, hitting, slapping, pushing and/or burning, taking away or controlling an aid, such as moving a wheelchair or walker out of reach. Secondly, sexual abuse which includes sexual harassment or (rape) forcing to take part in unwanted sexual activity. Next is psychological abuse, which involves actions causing fear of violence, relationship, feeling of shame, powerlessness (like verbal intimidation) threats of physical harm, lack of love and affection and talking about ‘how hard it is to provide care’ in front of older people. Next, WHO (2002b) states financial abuse in which younger ones give importance to property of elders without affection to them, withholding knowledge of their bank account balance or household bills or use their property without permission; in a way which may cause psychological impact. Finally, neglect means a lack of elder care; for example, inadequate food, shelter, clothes, medical care, poor hygiene or personal care. A lack of time spent with elders is also neglect as they are often …show more content…

All have the same goal to eradicate this serious social problem. Under these strategies proper rights are given to elder people and attention is given to prevent the elder abuse. The national government of Australia started a working party in 1994 and its goal was to provide a detailed report of responsibilities of the government in preventing elder abuse; particularly physical and psychological abuse (Working Party on the protection of frail older people, 1994). In addition, in 1990 a research project commissioned by the commissioner on ageing was published (McCallum, Maliasz & Graycar 1990). This provided information on the scope and nature of elder abuse in South Australia and a framework for government response. This program has been delivered by the Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) since 1997. The South Australian Ageing Plan 2006 commits the government to zero tolerance of violence towards older people. Under NSW taskforce on abuse of older people, 1993 proper training is given to staff on how to deal with older people. In 1997, The Queensland Government developed an Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU) and its main focus is on prevention and response to elder abuse in Queensland (www.eapu.com.au). The Australian Capital Territory (ACT Health, 2004) has implemented another strategy; “Meeting the challenges of Elder

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