Media Release: Age Concern New Zealand

September 28, 2011

Age Concern Awareness Week - We can all stop elder abuse

Age Concern New Zealand applauds the move to increase the protections provided to vulnerable adults in amendments to the Crimes Act.

The changes, which passed last week, will make extreme cases of elder abuse and neglect punishable by 10 years' imprisonment. This penalty will act as a deterrent and may result in a decrease in elder abuse and neglect in this country.

This is Age Concern Awareness Week. Every day in New Zealand there are older people being abused and neglected which is why Age Concern's work is vital.

To combat the problem, elder abuse and neglect prevention services are available in 26 locations; most provided by local Age Concerns.

Age Concern's Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention expert Jayne McKendry says older people who have experienced abuse often say things like.

"I felt like I didn't matter anymore, like I was just in the way. I need more help to do things now but that doesn't mean I can't think for myself or I don't care about what happens in the world."

Everyone has the right to live free from abuse.

"Elder abuse can happen in many different ways. It can be threats or coercion; physical abuse - hitting older people, or locking them in; depriving them of social contact or not providing the care they need. It can be financial abuse - using their money or possessions without their consent."

Age Concern has found that elder abuse can happen in any setting: in older people's own homes, retirement villages rest homes and hospitals.

Research by the 'It's Not Ok' campaign has shown that New Zealanders want to help in family violence situations but aren't sure what to do.

"Most of the elder abuse Age Concern sees happens in families, hidden from the rest of the community," Ms McKendry says. "Older people tell us that having someone else beside them, encouraging them to speak out, letting them know it is ok to ask for help, makes a huge difference."

This week, Age Concerns around the country are providing information, events and information about, and for, older people. Friday 30 September will feature celebrations of the International Day of Older Persons.

ENDS

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