Elder Abuse Response Service

Te Takakino Kaumatua

Elder Abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person (WHO 2002).

How we can help

This is a sensitive topic so please be mindful as you proceed.

Our Elder Abuse Response Coordinators can provide information and individualised support to older people/kaumātua, their families/whānau and carers, to enable them to make decisions that maintain the safety of the older person.

We offer

• Free, confidential service
• Referral to appropriate agencies
• Seminars and presentations on elder abuse and neglect
• Assistance in working with individuals to improve their quality of life
• Information on all issues relating to Elder Abuse

If you are concerned about potential Elder Abuse, whether you are an older person yourself, a family member, friend, neighbour or professional, please contact our Elder Abuse Response Service for FREE and confidential advice.

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Infliction of pain, injury or use of force. For example: hitting, pushing, rough handling, over-medication, and inappropriate use of restraints or confinement.

Psychological Abuse

Behaviour causing mental anguish, stress or fear. For example, ridicule or threats, harassment or humiliation, preventing choice or decision-making, and withholding affection.

Financial Abuse

Illegal or improper use of money, property or other assets. For example, unauthorised taking of money or possessions, misuse of power of attorney, failure to repay loans, use of home and/or utilities without contributing to costs, and scams that rely on establishing a relationship with the older person with the intention of exploiting their savings and/or assets, e.g. romance scams.

Sexual Abuse

Non-consensual sexual acts or exploitive behaviours. For example, inappropriate touching, or sexual acts with someone unable to give consent.

Institutional Abuse

A policy or accepted practice within an organisation that disregards a person’s rights or causes harm. For example, lack of respect for a person’s culture or customs, inappropriate rationing of continence products, inflexible routines e.g. breakfast at 8 am in the dining room.

Neglect

Not providing for physical, emotional or social needs. For example, inadequate food, clothing, shelter, lack of social contact, support, and health needs not attended to.

Warning signs

The following signs MAY indicate an older person is being abused:

• Confusion
• Withdrawal and/or edginess
• Fear of a particular person
• Recoiling from touch
• Unexplained injuries
• Drowsiness (due to over-medication)
• Unexplained behaviour, sleeping or eating habits
• Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts
• Unpaid bills, lack of money for necessities

How we can help

If you are concerned about Elder Abuse, whether you are an older person yourself, a family member, friend, neighbour or professional, please do not hesitate to contact our Elder Abuse Response Service for FREE and confidential advice.