The launch of a multi-million dollar elder abuse awareness campaign is a positive step towards ending the scourge of abuse impacting an estimated one in six older Australians, COTA Australia says.
The Federal Government today announced the launch of a $5 million dollar advertising campaign aimed at encouraging older people to open up about poor treatment - including from their children and grandchildren.
CEO of COTA Australia, the leading advocacy organisation for older people, Patricia Sparrow, said awareness-raising is one piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing the serious issue.
"The statistics around elder abuse are shocking. It's estimated one in six older people experiences abuse, but we also know that it's an under-reported issue and that the figures are likely much higher than that," Ms Sparrow said.
"Systemic issues like ageism mean that all too often elder abuse is overlooked or dismissed. Anything that helps bring the issue to the forefront of people's minds and provides practical tools to address it is very welcome."
