A Message From the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit

While holding an information stall at South Bank Piazza during Seniors Week in August, I was very pleasantly overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of active, involved, inquisitive and participating seniors who attended the event.

In my role as the education project officer at the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit, I have also noticed an increase in the number of requests from various community groups for awareness and information sessions. In the last couple of months I have spoken to members of such varied groups as the National Seniors, Probus Clubs, Legacy widows and the Older Women's Network. Each session was extremely well attended and the interaction by the members was vibrant and proactive.

It is so rewarding to see such valid information being utilised by the community. Knowledge is power, and it enables people of all ages, gender and socio-economic, educational and cultural backgrounds to retain or regain control over their lives.

However, and yes - this dreaded 'however' word, there are people in our community who are invisible, silent and isolated. They may have no knowledge of available resources, no means of accessing information, no one to inform them of their rights and eligibility, no human contact for support. They live amongst us, in remote areas, on isolated properties, on their own or with their families, they live with someone who is supposed to provide them with care.

We all grapple with ethical considerations of what is our responsibility for protecting others. Do we have the right to interfere in someone's private life? Are we going to make things worse for them by interfering? What is it that they wish to see happening in their lives? Or what assistance could we actually offer? Every situation, family, neighbourhood, community and cultural background are unique and can't be generalised. Each one of us can make a difference in someone's life but no one person can individually undertake the full responsibility.

Neighbourhood Watch is a great forum for enabling information to reach a greater audience. Considering that there is strength in numbers, how about discussing the issue in your groups, taking on an innovative project, 'thinking outside the box', brainstorming and entertaining creative approaches. Many of you are doing it already so let's just take it one step further and become a real community of care, of compassion and of love.

We, at the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit will be more than happy to come and deliver an awareness raising session for your group or a training session for your organisation. All our sessions are free of charge. You may call us on our HELPLINE 1300 651 192 to request a session or to confidentially discuss an ongoing situation of elder abuse and explore options and referrals.

With best wishes,
Maya Zetlin