Page 15 - You Magazine – Issue 1
P. 15
HOW It is considered a fundamental right for every man, woman and child to feel safe, secure
and cared for in their own home.
But sadly, the evidence suggests that for many vulnerable Australians – particularly those aged over 65 or who are living with disability – this experience is far from their reality.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) says that while evidence about the prevalence of neglect and abuse in Australia is lacking, if international indications provide any guidance, it is likely that between two
per cent and 14 per cent of older Australians experience elder abuse in any given year, with the prevalence of neglect possibly higher.
The statistics are no less confronting in
the disability sector where AHRC says one
in four people who report sexual assault are people living with disabilities and nine in ten women with intellectual disabilities have been sexually abused.
It has been estimated that as many as two- thirds of those harming a vulnerable adult are family members, most often the victim’s adult child or spouse – a fact borne out in a special report given to the NSW State Government by the State Ombudsman.
The report, Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Adults in NSW, found the majority of the subjects of allegation had a close and personal relationship with the vulnerable adult – with most of the alleged abuse and neglect committed by their family members, or their partner or spouse.
But abuse can take many forms – physical, financial, sexual, emotional or psychological
– and organisations such as the Ageing Disability Commission and the Ombudsman’s office are united in their belief that being aware of common indicators may help improve the ability to recognise them and respond appropriately.
While no single behaviour is an absolute indicator of mistreatment, social and geographical isolation, confusion regarding property, belongings or surroundings and carer stress are known indicators.
In 2016, a guidebook was published advising those in the professional care service industry on how to prevent and respond to abuse and neglect of those in their care.
The report signalled that for each different type of abuse there were typically many accompanying behavioural indicators to help identify possible cases where a person was at risk of being abused, neglected or exploited.
TO
HELP THE
HURT
We all have a responsibility to act when we suspect someone we care about may be in harm’s way.
You MAY 2020 15