We are all conceived by love. Right from the moment of our birth, we are under the love, care, and kindness of our parents, till the time we get wings to fly away. Later in our life when our parents become old, do we show the same love and kindness to them?

Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, and forgotten by their very own family is a poverty of loneliness and a deep feeling of sadness that only parents experience.

Elder abuse is a reality and happens in every religion, culture, ethnic and income groups. It is a growing global problem in our decade and as per international reports 3% to 10% of older people experience abuse or neglect each year. It is a violation of human rights and a significant cause of injury, illness, isolation, and despair to the elderly.

Elder abuse mostly affects elders who are frail and vulnerable and who depend on their family to meet their most basic needs.

What is Elder abuse?

Elder abuse is a single or repeated act and behaviour that causes harm or distress to an older person, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust.

There are five types of abuse:

1. Psychological abuse, inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts. This is when the elderly sometimes become suicidal.

2. Financial abuse, access to a senior person’s economic resources diminishes the person’s capacity to support themselves. This makes them lose self-worth.

3. Physical abuse, inflicting pain or causing injury, including inappropriate use of force or restraint.

4. Neglect and self-neglect, failure to meet the physical and emotional needs of an older person. Being deprived of common necessities, elderly start self-neglecting themselves.

5. Institutional abuse, which refers to a policy or accepted practice within an organisation that causes harm to or disregards a person’s rights. Sadly, most of the time abuse goes unreported, especially in some communities or cultures, where it is considered a stigma.

Shantiniwas Charitable Trust work with senior citizens of Indian and South Asian origin. Shantiniwas provides a service called KHUSHI (Kind Heal Unite Support Humble Inspire) which is Elder Abuse Neglect and Prevention Services.

Shantiniwas has a contract with Ministry of social development for Elder Abuse Response service. This service helps seniors live with profound dignity and a good quality of life.

Another service is DOSTI VISITING SERVICES, this is a culturally appropriate and confidential volunteer service for seniors who are socially isolated, and house bound which helps to negate elder abuse. Our services are free and confidential.

Shanti Niwas is at the forefront of supporting seniors and bringing positive changes in their lives: Nilima Venkat, General Manager, Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust

“Shanti Niwas has planned a week of activities to raise awareness on the issue of elder abuse. On June 15, an event was held via Zoom to celebrate the day with dignitaries, police and seniors. Kiwi-Indian MPs Mr. Bakshi and Ms. Priyanca attended the event. We have also received messages of support from Minister Jenny Salesa, Mayor Phil Goff, India’s Honorary Consul in Auckland Bhav Dhillon and other dignitaries, which will be played on our Facebook page through out the week. Moreover, our seniors have enacted scenarios on different kinds of abuse which will be posted in the week with some questions for the community to answer. We are hoping this will be interactive and create some brain storming on the topic in the larger community.”

Call Shantiniwas Charitable Trust on 096221010 or 012028406. Website:www.shantiniwas.org.nz Email: nilima.venkat@shantiniwas.org.nz, or Verona.sequeira@shantiniwas.org.nz

REMEMBER ELDER ABUSE IS NOT OK – IT IS A PUNISHABLE ACT.

– From Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust

Watch out for Elder Abuse: Tracey Martin, Minister for Seniors

Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin has called on New Zealanders to look out for and speak out against elder abuse as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is held on Monday, June 15, with the theme this year focusing on the impact of Covid-19 on the rights of older persons. New Zealand research suggests that in any given year more than 13,000 people will experience some form of elder abuse. Elder abuse can be emotional, physical and financial and can have wide reaching effects on victims. It can also be unintentional – for example by a grown child deciding they know best what to do with their parents’ money or belongings.

The Minister noting the impact of Covid-19 on elders, added that social isolation was a major factor in elder abuse, which was largely a hidden crime and one that can have a devastating impact on the quality of life of the person affected.

“Most of us cherish the older people in their lives, but sadly some don’t. That means we all need to look out for signs of abuse and if you are concerned that someone is experiencing elder abuse, it’s OK to help. Something as simple as asking how you can help makes a real difference. This year’s Budget puts an additional $25 million over four years into specialist elder abuse response services – but the thing that will most help is that people are aware and reach out,” she said.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a day to say we won’t tolerate elder abuse,” Minister Martin said. “It is also a reminder that this is an issue that we shouldn’t just think about one day of the year.”

If you are concerned about elder abuse call the free helpline 0800 EA NOT OK (0800 32 668 65), text 5032 or email support@elderabuse.nz

-TIN Bureau