ANZASW promotes and supports Elder Abuse Awareness Week 2014

Thursday, 12 June 2014, 9:13 am
Press Release: Aotearoa NZ Association of Social Workers

ANZASW promotes and supports Elder Abuse Awareness Week 2014

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) supports all actions and initiatives to prevent all forms of elder abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand. We encourage not only those working in the Social Work profession but the wider community to get involved in and promote Elder Abuse Awareness Week 15th – 22nd June 2014 in the hopes that this will evolve into promotion and prevention of elder abuse in our communities.

The occurrence of elder abuse and the alarming fact that much of this goes on unreported is something that ANZASW views as a timely and important issue. It is important and necessary to ensure that elder people in our communities across the country feel safe and protected. There needs to be wider recognition of the issue itself as well as a more in-depth understanding of the warning signs and the support available throughout the country.

Supporting, promoting and getting involved in Elder Abuse Awareness Week 2014 is something that ANZASW sees as a step towards widespread recognition of this issue. We encourage involvement on the 15th – 22nd June 2014 in the hopes that this will evolve into promotion and support for elder abuse all year around, providing solutions and initiatives that will protect elder people now and in the future.

Identifying Elder Abuse and Who to Contact

As the MidCentral District Health Board explains “Elder abuse occurs in many different settings, including private homes, residential care and hospitals. Older people who experience abuse are less able to remain active, contributing members of the community. This impacts on peoples’ physical and mental health, finances, living arrangements and family relations and supports”

There are five commonly identified categories of elder abuse, these: are physical and sexual abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, financial/material abuse, and neglect. If people are concerned that they know someone who could be experiencing abuse or neglect they should contact their local Age Concern offices. http://www.ageconcern.org.nz/

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