Media Release

Released 13th June 2012

Wear Purple For World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

“Wearing purple this Friday 15th June will show support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day”, says Paul Martin from the Dunedin Collaborative against Family Violence (DCAFV).

Elder Abuse and Neglect, is a becoming more visible in our society largely due to the work of Age Concern and also Police identifying risk when they are attending Family Violence callouts.

“Older People Matter” and we know that 70 to 80 per cent of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand occurs at the hands of family members.

This is one of the reasons it stays hidden –many older people feel ashamed their own family are treating them badly, so they won’t talk about it.

What we need is more people speaking up when they have concerns about vulnerable older people.

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