World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Mackay

Relationships Australia will be out in the region today raising awareness about recognising elder abuse

Elder Abuse Prevention Support Service Case Manager Debbie Robson from Relationships Australia. Picture: Tony martin

RELATIONSHIPS Australia Queensland’s Mackay branch will be raising understanding today for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The team will deliver ‘How to recognise elder abuse’ fact sheets to aged care facilities, community facilities offices and libraries across the region.

Relationships Australia Queensland regional manager Valerie Holden said the complex topic could be hard to talk about.

“It can take a range of forms including physical, financial, emotional, social and sexual abuse, along with neglect,” Ms Holden said.

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“We know that financial abuse is the most commonly reported form of elder abuse, and this includes pressuring, threatening or coercing an older person to make decisions that aren’t in their best interests.”

Recognising the signs of elder abuse. Picture: Relationships Australia Queensland.

Ms Holden said one of the best shields against abuse was by elders keeping sustained connections with loved ones, friends, neighbours, care workers and the community, which had been strained under COVID-19.

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She encouraged the Mackay community to familiarise themselves with the signs of abuse to safeguard elders.

To learn more, visit www.raq.org.au or phone [phone]

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