Australian government launches campaign to end elder abuse

Australian+government+launches+campaign+to+end+elder+abuse
Ending Elder Abuse: Australian Government Launches Awareness CampaignEnding Elder Abuse: Australian Government Launches Awareness Campaign The Australian government has unveiled a vital campaign to combat the prevalence of elder abuse. In a poignant address at the National Elder Abuse Conference, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus condemned the exploitation of elderly citizens as a “shameful and often hidden form of cruelty and abuse.” He announced the allocation of AUD$4.8 million for a comprehensive advertising campaign, aimed at elevating awareness about this insidious issue. Research conducted in 2021 revealed that an alarming one in six older Australians had endured abuse within the preceding year. However, over 60 percent did not seek assistance. “If an older person feels unable to seek help, we have failed them,” Dreyfus remarked. Beyond physical harm, elder abuse encompasses psychological distress, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, and neglect. Dreyfus emphasized the urgent need to eradicate such abhorrent behavior. The advertising campaign, scheduled to appear on television, online, and in clinics nationwide, will foster conversations about elder abuse. This heightened awareness will aid in identifying support measures and reporting incidents. As Australia’s population ages, the urgency of tackling elder abuse becomes paramount. Robert Fitzgerald, the Australian Age Discrimination Commissioner, has urged the seniors housing sector to implement robust strategies for identifying and combating resident abuse. A 2023 study by the New South Wales Retirement Village Residents Association revealed the prevalence of abuse among residents, further highlighting the need for vigilance and intervention.

Canberra, July 22 The Australian government has launched a new campaign to end elder abuse.

In a speech at the National Elder Abuse Conference in Adelaide on Monday, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus described the exploitation of older Australians as a shameful and often hidden form of cruelty and abuse, Xinhua news agency reported.

He announced that AUD$4.8 million (US$3.2 million) would be made available for a national advertising campaign to raise awareness of elder abuse.

According to a government study published in 2021, one in six older Australians had experienced abuse in the past 12 months, but more than 60 percent did not seek help or advice.

“If an older person feels like they can’t seek help, then we’ve failed them,” Dreyfus said Monday.

“In addition to physical abuse, elder abuse can also include psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. It is ugly, it is unacceptable, and it must be eradicated.”

The advertising campaign, which will run on television, online and in clinics across the country, will encourage Australians to have conversations about elder abuse to raise awareness of the issue and identify the support measures available.

Dreyfus said the ageing of Australia’s population makes tackling elder abuse more urgent.

Australian Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald called on the seniors housing sector in June to implement new national strategies to better identify and tackle resident abuse.

He cited a 2023 study conducted by the New South Wales Retirement Village Residents Association, which found that the most common form of abuse in seniors’ housing is abuse between residents.

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