Hashtag

First Nations Australians urge community to yarn about the abuse of older Australians


With 1 in 6 people aged 65 years and older across Australia experiencing some form of abuse, high-profile First Nations Elders Yalmay Yunupiŋu, 2024 Senior Australian of the Year, and Charlie King OAM have joined together to urge community to have a yarn about the abuse of older people.

The new campaign by the Australian Government, spearheaded by the Attorney-General’s Department, aims to increase awareness across the Australian community about the abuse of older people. This includes highlighting the help and services available, and the importance of working together as a community to help support our older people. 

Yalmay Yunupiŋu says “Elders are the backbone of our families and communities, and they deserve dignity and respect, but sometimes abuse can happen to our older people. We all know the abuse of older people isn’t part of our culture, so we need to come together and yarn about it so we can stop it from happening.”

Sometimes, abuse can be hard to spot, as it’s often carried out by someone a person knows and trusts such as a partner, family member or carer. It can be even harder to spot because abuse isn’t always physical, in fact the different types of abuse can include emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.

Veteran sports broadcaster turned human rights campaigner, Charlie King OAM is a proud Gurindji man from the Northern Territory and says “None of us like to think that the abuse of our older people is happening in our communities, or in any communities across Australia. But if you feel like something isn’t right with you or someone you know, have a talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, a friend or a health care worker. Together, we can all do something about it, starting with a yarn.”

There are five main types of abuse of older people, including:

Emotional or psychological abuse – this is the most common type of abuse older people experience and can include name calling, being put down, or being shamed. For example, an older person might be told ‘You’re useless! Good for nothing!’ or threatened with things like ‘Forget seein’ ya grandies!’

Financial abuse – this is when an older person’s money is spent without their knowledge or against their will. Sometimes, family members will sell an older person’s home without permission, keep their change after helping with shopping, or constantly humbug them for money.

Neglect – this happens when someone who is looking after an older person doesn’t meet their basic needs, such as preparing meals or helping them to shower. Neglect can happen deliberately, or it can be unintentional, like when a carer is struggling to cope but feels as if they can’t ask for help.

Physical abuse – if an action causes or threatens physical pain, injury or distress, it’s wrong. It’s never okay to shake or hit an older person, unlawfully restrain them or threaten them with a weapon of any kind.

Sexual abuse – anything that makes an older person feel uncomfortable, uneasy or unhappy about their body, gender or sexuality is considered abuse, or any act of a sexual nature done without an older person’s consent.

“Older people are our cultural custodians, mentors, advocates, leaders and cherished loved ones, and abuse of our older people is never okay,” says Charlie. “We need to learn how to spot it and understand how to help, so that our older people can live with the dignity they deserve.”

Yalmay and Charlie have come together in a video to ask all mob to yarn about the abuse of older people, and highlight that support is available. An animated video to help First Nations people recognise the different types of abuse of older people, and to know where to go to seek support, has also been developed. These videos, and further information, can be found at https://www.compass.info/campaign/beginswithaconversation/first-nations/

News Reports

First Nations Australians urge community to yarn about the abuse of older Australians

With 1 in 6 people aged 65 years and older across Australia experiencing some form of abuse, high-profile First Nations Elders Yalmay Yunupiŋu, 2024 Senior Australian of the Year, and Charlie King O...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Child Custody: Factors Courts Consider

Child custody disputes can be emotionally challenging and legally complex, often requiring courts to make difficult decisions in the best interests of the child. When determining child custody arran...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Crude Oil - How Oil Refining Works

Welcome to a journey through the fascinating world of oil refining. In this article, we will explore the intricate process of transforming crude oil into the various valuable products that fuel our ...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Empower and Inspire: Discover Australia's Standout Keynote Speakers in 2024

Introduction  Imagine sitting in a room where every word spoken hits home, sparking ideas, stirring emotions, and motivating change. That's the magic of a great keynote speaker – they don't just ta...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Revolutionizing Veterinary Medicine: The Technological Advancements Enhancing Animal Welfare and Care

Recent advancements in veterinary medicine have significantly transformed the care of animals, from household pets to farm cattle. This evolution extends beyond treating illnesses and encompasses a ...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Why Do Criminal Lawyers Defend Criminals?

In the complex landscape of the legal system, criminal defense lawyers play a pivotal role in upholding the principles of justice and fairness. As we delve into the intricacies of their profession, ...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Movers and Packers Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Relocation

Are you planning to move to or from Sydney? Moving can be both an exciting and stressful experience. You have to find a new place to call home, pack up all your belongings, and then transport them s...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

How PVC strip curtains are an ideal installation in the workplace

Those in business know only too well the feeling of jubilation as orders increase and profits rise. All the hard work seems worthwhile as any minor hiccups are forgotten about. That extra effort to ...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Health & Wellness

Understanding the Environmental and Health Impacts of Waste Disposal: Essential Insights

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

🌎♻️Explore the health & environmental impacts of waste disposal. Dive into essential insights💡for a sustainable future! #WasteManagement #Health🌿🌍 Waste disposal is an inevitable aspect of mode...

The Role of a Child Psychologist: Helping Kids Navigate Emotional Challenges

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Child psychologists play an important role in aiding children to overcome behavioral and emotional challenges. The experts will easily identify the developmental stage and emotional needs of the chi...

Therapy as a Preventative Measure: Maintaining Mental Health Before a Crisis

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

In recent years, the conversation around mental health has shifted significantly. No longer seen solely as a response to crises, therapy is now increasingly recognised as a proactive measure for mai...

What Are Sleep-Wake Disorders? A Comprehensive Overview

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

In our fast-paced world, the importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated – sleep is essential not only for physical rejuvenation but also for mental and emotional wellbeing. However, for...

Tomorrow Business Growth