Media Release

Age Concern New Zealand

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15

How would you feel if you were taken advantage of, abused or neglected in your older age? What if it was your Grandma being mistreated?

Age Concern knows elder abuse is a serious and often hidden issue in this country.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Age Concerns throughout the country are joining the global community in the sixth annual international campaign to raise awareness of elder abuse and neglect.

The theme colour for the day is purple, and several major National landmarks including Auckland’s Sky Tower and Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre will be shining light on elder abuse by turning purple.

Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive, Ann Martin says Age Concerns elder abuse and neglect prevention services receive an average of four calls a day about or from older people who may be being abused or neglected, however they know that's just the tip of the iceberg.

“It doesn't have to be that way. The more people understand about elder abuse and what they can do to stop it, the better,” she says.

The most commonly reported types of elder abuse in New Zealand are psychological abuse and financial abuse.

“We know that 70 to 80 percent 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 flesh and blood is treating them badly, so they won't talk about it.”

For more information about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day activities visit

http://www.ageconcern.org.nz/safety/elder-abuse/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-events

ENDS

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