Police raise awareness with Meals on Wheels
Warragul Police inspector Alison Crombie and acting senior sergeant Megan Whitelaw spent last Wednesday spreading awareness about elder abuse.
The pair assisted with Meals on Wheels on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to inform people about the issue, which affects up to 14 per cent of older people in Australia.
The day highlights the importance of the rights of older people and tries to prevent acts that cause harm to an older person - acts that are carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend.
Snr Sgt Whitelaw and Insp Crombie handed out pamphlets and talked to meal recipients about what to look out for and how to get help if they think they or someone they know becomes a victim. Pamphlets included information about what elder abuse looks like and support mechanisms people can use to get help.
The pair joined regular Meals on Wheels volunteers to unload eskies and pack meals in their cars, before they were handed a list of homes to visit in Warragul.
Insp Crombie said delivering meals gave Police the opportunity to engage with older people and find out if they're experiencing any problems.
"When we are delivering the meals we might make some discreet inquiries with them about whether they've experienced any sort of abuse, whether it be financial, emotional, or physical," she said.
"A lot of them have given their power of attorney to relatives or people they trust and sometimes they're not quite as trustworthy as you might hope."
Snr Sgt Whitelaw said it was also important to make people aware of those who might come to their homes, such as travelling tradespeople and scams that target older people.
"It's about breaking down that barrier between us and them to let them know that there are multiple ways of contacting police.
"It's okay to give us a call, we will be there for them."
Elder abuse is a serious issue in Victoria and is more commonly reported by women. According to Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV), in 2020 72 per cent of people seeking help from SRV for elder abuse were women.
Additionally, in 91 per cent of cases, the perpetrators were family members, and in 64 per cent of cases the abusers did not live with their victims.
Examples of elder abuse include financial abuse, such as abusing the power of attorney or coercively taking the older person's money, assets or possessions; ageist abuse, such as stopping an older person from making their own decisions; hitting, rough handling or neglectful care; withholding items such as medication or hearing aids; social isolation, and sexual abuse.
Victoria Police received more than 5000 reports of family violence where the victim was aged more than 65 years old from 2020 to 2021.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Michael Leaney said council was pleased to partner with Victoria Police for the day and thanked Snr Sgt Whitelaw and Insp Crombie.
"Delivering a meal is a great conversation starter, particularly for this important topic that can impact our senior residents," he said.
"On behalf of council, I would like to thank local Senior Sergeant Megan Whitelaw and Inspector Alison Crombie for organising this valuable initiative."
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, help is available through Seniors Rights Victoria's confidential helpline on 1300 368 821 or visit seniorsrights.org.au to find out more.
If you are concerned about an older person or believe you or they have been a victim of abuse, contact your local police station. For all emergencies and urgent matters call triple zero (000)