General News
24 June, 2025
Cuppa connects community on elder abuse
Last week's Age and Respect Cuppa Connections sessions across the shire featured a heavy topic of conversation covering elder abuse with special guest Stephanie Lynch, Hindmarsh Shire's Free From Violence Project Officer.
Half a dozen people turned up at the Rainbow Library for the session on Wednesday, June 11, in the afternoon.
Often difficult to recognise, elder abuse can look different every time, whether it be a single or repeated act and it can happen in all kinds of relationships.
This includes relationships between family generations, with an intimate partner and also in non-family relationships such as those involving carers, professionals and neighbours.
"It is important to remove the taboo around this topic and use conversation to shed a light on this issue, as sometimes people experiencing elder abuse may not be able to recognise what is happening to them or may not know that help is available," a council spokesperson said.
They said Ms Lynch joined in the conversations and had lively discussion with attendees about what sort of behaviours are considered to be elder abuse, how to support someone who may be experiencing violence, and different support services that are available to help seniors.
The sessions came timely as Sunday, June 15, marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting the serious and often hidden issue that affects older people in communities.
One of the session’s participants, Kate Hutson, said the initiative provides an opportunity to connect with the other community members.
“It went really well,” she said.
“The council speaker talks about the family abuse and problems the community faces.
“This innovation starts after COVID to catch up with friends and other community members over a cuppa.
“The program is actually to encourage locals to socialise with everyone and get connected.”
"This felt like a great time to speak on this topic and give tips to older people on how to protect themselves or help a friend or loved one," the spokesperson said.
Research shows that one in six older people may be experiencing elder abuse.
However, the true number is likely much higher as it often goes unrecognised or unreported.
Elder abuse can appear in many forms including threatening, pressuring, name-calling, controlling an older person or their financials, withdrawing care as punishment, preventing an older person from seeing family or friends, and physical assault.
New data shows physical assault is the most common form of elder abuse with police spreading warnings to anyone who knows or suspects an older person is being abused to come forward.
Recent data released by the Crime Statistics Agency shows reports of elder abuse victims over the age of 65 has increased by 18 per cent in the year to December 2024.
There were 7002 reports of elder abuse during this period with 1211 of these reports being physical assaults.
If you are experiencing violence, or if you are worried about someone who may be experiencing violence, you can contact the National Elder Abuse Hotline (1800 353 374) for free and confidential information and support.
Seniors Rights Victoria (1300 368 821) can provide free and confidential information, support, and education and help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity, and independence of older people.
Cuppa Connections are held weekly throughout the shire with sessions being held every Wednesday at Rainbow Library from 2pm to 4pm.