media release

DATE 19/06/10

TASMANIAN FUNDING FOR ELDER ABUSE WELCOMED

Tasmanian Labor Senator Helen Polley today welcomed the Tasmanian State Government’s budget announcement of significant funding to help combat elder abuse.

 

“This is a very positive step in Tasmania to support all of those who experience the effects of elder abuse,” Senator Polley said.

 

“Elder abuse is not just about the physical and the mental abuse - it is also about the financial abuse, largely being financial exploitation,” Senator Polley said.

Abuse of our elderly is a social curse that affects thousands of Australians over 65 each year, and is a form of abuse that is often under-reported for a range of reasons including shame and a fear of retaliation or being estranged from those they love.

 

Senator Polley said that “there is a high level of community concern about elder abuse in Tasmania, and indeed Australia wide. The community also needs to be aware that sadly, all forms of elder abuse happens not just with those in care but more likely those living at home or with family.

 

“It’s not uncommon that the abuse is inflicted by the individual’s own family,” Senator Polley said.

“I would like to remind anyone that is experiencing elder abuse, or know of someone that is, that there is help out there,” Senator Polley said.

 

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact Advocacy Tasmania on

1800 005 131