Elder Abuse in Australia: The Urgent Need for Legislative Action
Elder abuse is a serious and growing problem in Australia, affecting tens of thousands of older people each year. Despite the increasing recognition of elder abuse as a major social issue, however, there has been relatively little legislative action taken to address it. In this article, we examine the need for a legislative intervention to prevent and address elder abuse in Australia.
Definition and Scope of Elder Abuse in Australia
Elder abuse refers to any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member, caregiver, or intimate partner. It can take many forms, including physical, psychological, sexual, financial, and neglect. In Australia, elder abuse is a significant problem, affecting an estimated one in six older people.
Prevalence and Impact of Elder Abuse in Australia
Elder abuse is a widespread and under-reported problem in Australia, with many older people reluctant to speak out about their experiences due to fear, shame, or a lack of understanding about their rights. Despite these challenges, recent studies have revealed the extent of elder abuse in Australia. For example, a 2019 study found that almost 60,000 older Australians are subjected to abuse each year, with the majority of cases involving financial abuse by family members. The study also found that the impact of elder abuse can be severe, with many older people experiencing anxiety, depression, and a loss of independence as a result.
The Need for Legislative Action
In the face of this growing problem, there is an urgent need for legislative action to prevent and address elder abuse in Australia. There are several key reasons for this, including:
Lack of Effective Prevention Measures: Currently, there are no comprehensive laws in place to prevent elder abuse in Australia. While some states have introduced measures to address specific forms of abuse, such as financial abuse, there is a need for a coordinated national approach to ensure that all older people are protected from abuse.
Inadequate Response to Reports of Abuse: While some reporting mechanisms exist for elder abuse, there is a lack of consistency in how these reports are handled and investigated. This can result in older people being subjected to further abuse, or in cases of abuse not being properly addressed.
Limited Support for Victims: There is a need for increased support for older people who have experienced abuse, including access to legal, financial, and psychological services. Currently, many older people are reluctant to seek help due to a lack of understanding about their rights, or due to fear of retribution from their abuser.
Legislative Recommendations
In order to address the urgent need for a legislative intervention to prevent and address elder abuse in Australia, there are several key recommendations that should be considered. These include:
The introduction of comprehensive national legislation to prevent and address elder abuse. This legislation should cover all forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, financial, and neglect.
The establishment of a national reporting mechanism for elder abuse, with clear guidelines for how reports should be handled and investigated.
Increased funding for support services for older people who have experienced abuse, including access to legal, financial, and psychological services.
The introduction of mandatory training for health and aged care professionals to help them recognize and respond to cases of elder abuse.
The establishment of a national awareness campaign to educate the public about the issue of elder abuse and to encourage older people to speak out about their experiences.
Conclusion
Elder abuse is a serious and growing problem in Australia, affecting tens of thousands of older people each year. Despite the increasing recognition of elder abuse as a major social issue, there has been limited legislative action taken to address it. A legislative intervention is desperately needed to prevent and address elder abuse in Australia, ensuring that all older people are protected from harm and have access to support services. The recommendations outlined above, including the introduction of comprehensive national legislation, the establishment of a national reporting mechanism, increased funding for support services, mandatory training for health and aged care professionals, and a national awareness campaign, would go a long way in addressing this issue and improving the lives of older people in Australia. It is time for the government to take action and prioritize the protection and well-being of older people in our society.
References
National Elder Abuse Inquiry Final Report (2017). Australian Government. This report provides a comprehensive overview of elder abuse in Australia, including its prevalence, impact, and the need for legislative action. It includes recommendations for the development of national legislation and support services for older people who have experienced abuse.
Elder abuse in Australia: Prevalence and implications (2019). Australian Institute of Family Studies. This study provides an up-to-date analysis of elder abuse in Australia, including its prevalence, forms, and impact. The study highlights the need for increased support services and legislation to prevent and address elder abuse in Australia.
Recognising and Responding to Elder Abuse in Australia (2017). Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia. This report provides an overview of the issue of elder abuse in Australia, including its definition, forms, and impact. It also includes recommendations for the development of legislative measures and support services for older people who have experienced abuse. The report highlights the need for a coordinated national response to the issue of elder abuse in Australia.
