ADDRESSING ELDER ABUSE

Elder abuse is a significant issue affecting many seniors, particularly within Indigenous communities. Recognizing the various forms of elder abuse, understanding its roots, and learning how to prevent it is crucial. Elder abuse includes physical and emotional harm and encompasses neglect and cultural displacement due to colonization and systemic issues.

Physical abuse involves inflicting physical harm, such as hitting or restraining elders. Emotional abuse includes verbal assaults, threats, and harassment, which can severely impact the elder's mental health. Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual contact. Neglect occurs when there is a failure to provide necessary care and support, leading to serious harm or deterioration in the elder's health. Financial abuse involves the misuse of an elder’s funds or property, such as fraud or theft. Cultural displacement is another critical form of abuse, where elders are moved away from their communities and cultural practices, often due to the lack of appropriate residential settings.

Recently Devon Cuimara an aboriginal leader, living in Newman WA organized a yarning circle to discuss the issue. Devon wanted to start by looking at the causes of elder abuse. His view is that, the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization have created systemic issues that lead to various forms of abuse, including cultural displacement and lateral violence within communities.

Caregiver stress is another factor; those responsible for elder care may experience high stress levels, leading to abusive behaviours. Economic pressures can drive individuals to exploit elders for financial gain. Many Indigenous communities face a lack of adequate facilities and support systems for elder care. Additionally, social isolation makes elders more vulnerable to abuse, as they lack a robust support network to notice and report any issues.

So the big question then is how to prevent elder abuse. Devon thinks that raising awareness about the issue within communities through educational programs and community discussions, such as yarning circles, is essential. Providing resources and training for caregivers can help them manage stress and improve the quality of care they offer. Maintaining elders' connection to the community and cultural practices through regular check-ins and community engagement is crucial. Establishing safeguards to protect elders' financial assets can prevent financial abuse. Developing culturally appropriate residential settings that allow elders to remain connected to their land and community is vital for their well-being.

Elder abuse in Indigenous communities is a multifaceted issue deeply rooted in historical and systemic challenges. By understanding the forms of abuse and their causes, and by implementing culturally sensitive preventive measures, we can protect our elders and ensure they live with dignity and respect.

To hear the full interview Devon Cuimara gave to Ngaarda Media, click on the link below.