Elder abuse is defined as abuse or a form of neglect of an elderly person in a relationship based on trust.
This abuse could be physical, sexual, financial, psychological and/or social.
Inderjeet Jassal who is a Cultural Advisor to the Eastern Community Legal Centre told SBS Punjabi that according to a report published in 2011, at least 31% elders over and above the age of 65 suffer one form of abuse or neglect.
“The most common form of abuse faced by parents of Indians living in Australia is usually financial,” he says.
“It can range from stealing money from an older person’s account to forcing them to change their will.”
“Also, there is stigma and shame associated with abuse, fear of reprisal from the perpetrator, and a perceived or actual lack of options or access to services.
“As a community, we need to raise awareness on how to tackle this growing problem.
