Spotlight on elder abuse
THE convener of the Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention (BEAPP) Network, Alexandria Jones, says “the way that we treat our older people goes to the very heart of our community”.
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and while the coronavirus pandemic has curtailed public events, virtual ones will be happening across the country to create awareness around the issue.
The BEAPP Network brings together organisations and community groups from across the Barwon region to work together to increase the safety, dignity and respect of older people in our community and prevent elder abuse before it happens.
Ms Jones said that with the Bellarine Peninsula having a high proportion of the population over 60 years old, elder abuse was an important issue to be aware of.
Rates of elder abuse are chronically under-reported, but the Australian Institute of Family Studies estimates up to 14 per cent of older people in Australia are impacted by this issue.
Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social,
WHEN Geelong songwriter Warwick Hadfield decided to approach his idol, Australian musician Sam See, about a collaboration, he never imagined it would become a reality.
Now, just over a year later, the band Dancing with Socrates has released an EP, Platonic Ironic, with all songs written by Hadfield and produced by See.
Hadfield (pictured) said the journey began after he wrote to the “legendary” See, a former member of bands such as Flying Circus and Sherbet.
Before he knew it, Hadfield financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.
“Connecting virtually with our older communities during these times of COVID-19 and social distancing is even more important, as we know that social isolation is a key driver of violence against older people, and social connection and support is an important protective factor,” said Ms Jones, who is a legal educator at Barwon Community Legal Service. was on a four-hour train ride to See’s Belgrave studio.
“There I was sitting in the studio with a bloke that I had idolised 50 years ago — I didn’t know whether to play or ask for an autograph,” he said.
“I was so nervous, but somehow I strangled out four songs, where at the end he said something like ‘What sounds would you like’? Given his musical CV includes the likes of John Farnham, Brian Cadd and Glenn Shorrock, I was a little bit chuffed.”
Since its release last month, the four-track recording has attracted some positive feedback, including from Austra
This year Bellarine Community Health (BCH) is partnering with the BEAPP Network to host a Facebook Live event to focus community attention on WEAAD and elder abuse prevention.
They are asking community members to have a “virtual cuppa” as part of the ‘Stirring A Cuppa for Seniors’ campaign and tune into the Facebook Live event, to show support for older people in our community, without leaving the comfort of lian folk artist Shane Howard.
Mr Hadfield — whose five decades as a journalist include stints with The Australian and ABC Radio — said working alongside See was one of the highlights of his life.
“I’m a sportswriter who just dabbles in music,” he said. “To all these years later actually get to work with one of my musical heroes from when I was a teenager was a great thrill.”
Mr Hadfield hopes to hold a Geelong launch for the EP with the band once COVID-19 restrictions ease.
For more information, visit dancingwithsocrates. bandcamp.com/releases. their own homes.
To watch the WEAAD Facebook Live event log on to the BCH Facebook Page today at 3pm at facebook.com/bellarinecommunityhealthltd/
If you are experiencing elder abuse, or concerned about an older person, you can get help by calling the Barwon Orange Door: 1800 312 820, 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732, Seniors Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821 or Barwon Community Legal Service on 1300 430 599.