South Coast residents are being encouraged to show their support for some of the most vulnerable people on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday June 15.
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Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said everyone deserves to live in safety and free from threats or violence.
"Elder abuse is often a hidden problem and the threat of COVID-19 means many seniors are isolated from their usual social and support networks," said Mrs Hancock.
"Older people in the South Coast electorate must know, it is not OK to be told how to spend their money by someone they know.
"It is not OK to be told when they can see their family and friends. Seniors have the right to make their own decisions about their lives."
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Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said anyone with reasonable grounds to believe an older person is at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation in the community can contact the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC).
"We all play a part in looking after seniors in our community and that starts with calling out acts of intimidation and violence," Mr Lee said.
"The ADC can investigate allegations of abuse and provide information and support to vulnerable adults and their relatives."
Since being established on July 1 2019 the ADC has received more than 1700 reports and enquiries relating to older people.
Psychological harm was the most common form of alleged abuse reported to the ADC in relation to older people, with 751 cases reported to the ADC between 1 July 2019 and 30 April 2020. This was followed by financial abuse (682 cases), neglect (393 cases) and physical abuse (210 cases).
Contact the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221 or nswadc@adc.nsw.gov.au. In an emergency call 000.
