Elder Abuse

There seems to be a day, a week, or month for every cause but the particular focus for today is a rather sobering one. At a time in life where people should be able to enjoy the fruits of many years hard work, and be honoured for their knowledge and contribution to our community, they can instead become vulnerable targets for those who would take advantage of them.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. While elder abuse can take a number of forms, The most frequently reported abuse of elderly people in Western Australia is not physical but financial, according to a report released today. The report was commissioned by Advocare and conducted by the Crime Research Centre at the University of Western Australia.

During my morning radio program on 98.5 Sonshine FM this morning I spoke about the report and Elder Abuse Awareness Day with Advocare CEO Greg Mahney. You can click on the play button of the audio player below to hear our conversation.

One of the most disturbing aspects to elder abuse is that it is very often perpetrated by family or those closest to the victim.

What does it say about our society when those who should be honoured are being victimised? Have you seen examples of elder abuse? I’d be interested in reading your comments.

[audio:http://mpegmedia.sonshinefm.ws/feeds/MOR150611_1129.mp3]

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