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Abuse of Elderly Hits 20,000 a Year
Mark Moor, Herald Sun
Australia
January 19, 2005
An estimated 20,000 elderly Victorians suffer abuse at the hands of their children or carers every year.
But because it happened behind closed doors the real figure could be four times higher, according to Elder Abuse Prevention Association executive director Lillian Jeter.
"Family members that care for vulnerable and dependant adults can be manipulative and controlling and can take the resources and finances that the elder adult has worked for their entire life," Ms Jeter said.
"When the elderly become vulnerable and dependent is when the manipulation, control, abuse and neglect and the withdrawal of food, care and attention starts to set in."
Speaking at a Liberal Party policy launch, Opposition Leader Robert Doyle said the elderly were subject to psychological, emotional, physical, mental, financial or sexual abuse.
The Liberal policy aims to establish an adult protective services unit similar to the current Child Protection Service, which has the power to remove children from their home and make them wards of the state.
A 24-hour toll-free hotline and new mandatory reporting laws forcing professionals to report incidents of abuse are key platforms of the policy, titled Elder Abuse -- Breaking the Silence.
"Elder abuse is, in many ways, so much harder and sadder (than child abuse)," Mr Doyle said.
"Unfortunately the abuse of older Victorians often happens behind closed doors and those older people die. They don't get a chance to tell their story."
Acting Aged Care Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Government already had sufficient measures in place, saying the statement was "under-funded and proposes a response which is at odds with current arrangements involving welfare agencies, police and the national Aged Care Ombudsman's office.
"The proposed stand-alone adult protective services unit would cost far more than the $1 million funding the Liberals are proposing if it is to work effectively across the state."
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