National Elder Abuse Conference
Elder Abuse is the neglect or financial, psychological, physical and sexual abuse of vulnerable older members of our community, by people in positions of trust. Affecting at least 5% of Australians, it is an issue that is widespread – yet it remains a largely silent epidemic. While it has been heartening to see some awareness raised in this space nationally in recent years, we have a long way to go!
I attended the 5th National Elder Abuse Conference in Sydney in late February. It was excellent to see gathered together so many professionals working in this challenging area. Throughout the conference, the pervasiveness of this issue was evident in the consistent challenges facing multiple jurisdictions.
Image: Meeting with the NSW Select Committee on Elder Abuse (L-R): Hon Dr Peter Phelps MLC, Hon Tjorn Sibma MLC, Hon Matthew Swinbourn MLC, Hon Alison Xamon MLC, Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC and Hon Greg Donnelly MLC