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Elder Abuse ...
Our
Hidden ShameElder Abuse can be defined as the infliction of physical, emotional
and / or pyschological harm on a senior vulnerable adult at the hands of a family
member, a non-family member in a trusting relationship or a paid carer in an institution.
Elder Abuse can take the form of financial exploitation, intentional neglect
or mistreatment by paid carers.
The severity of Elder Abuse can range from
simple ageist attitudes and disrespect to very serious criminal events and actions
involving vunerable senior members of our community.
What is the EAPA ?The
Elder Abuse Prevention Association (EAPA) is a not-for-profit association creating
awareness and education about elder abuse as well as actively investigating incidents
of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable older people in Australia.
Lillian
Jeter is the Executive Director of EAPA and has more than 25 years experience
in this field.
"Every year in Australia, there are an estimated
100,000 elderly persons who suffer the pain of psychological, physical, sexual
abuse, neglect and exploitation at the hands of family members and carers - with
20,000 cases in Victoria alone. Their cries for help are often unheard and the
victimisation is hidden behind the closed doors of our community and nursing institutions"
The
majority of the cases remain hidden or unreported. EAPA believs that the figures
would quadruple if all cases were reported. What to do if you suspect
Elder Abuse ...Contact the EAPA - Lillian Jeter
on 1300 884 665
P. O. Box 216
Mount Waverley Vic 3149
Suite 3, 49 Wadham Parade
Mount
Waverley Vic 3149
lillian@eapa.asn.au
www.eapa.asn.au
For criminal matters contact the Police immediately
on 000 or visit your local Police station.
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