Recognise the signs on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

ACT Policing is asking Canberrans to keep an eye out for signs of elder abuse in their communities this Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEEAD) is an internationally recognised day that aims to prevent the mistreatment of our elderly. 

Elder abuse can take many forms, from financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual or social. 

It can happen once or it can be reoccurring, and it is typically committed by someone known to the victim. 

Signs to look out for include: 

• Unusual activity: more or less visits to the home and signs of anxiety after visitors. 

• Neglect: a usually well-maintained home now looking rundown.  

• Finances: large financial hand-outs, money missing from their home, and elderly being pressured to make withdrawals.                                                   

• Isolation: visitors are not welcome by other family members or carers. 

• Verbal: constant loud yelling or swearing. 

• Physical: unusual or re-occurring injuries. 

ACT Policing takes reports of elder abuse seriously, and encourages anyone who is a victim to contact police on 131 444. 

Anyone with information about elder abuse happening in the community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au