Olsen, Lestelle --- "The New Old Australia: Human Rights and the Elderly" [2015] ElderLawRw 8; (2015) 9 Elder Law Review, Article 8

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THE 4^TH NATIONAL ELDER ABUSE CONFERENCE

SENIORS RIGHTS VICTORIA

The 4th National Elder Abuse Conference, hosted by Seniors Rights Victoria, will take place from 23 -25 February 2016 at the Pullman on the Park, Melbourne. Early bird registration is now open: visit http://elderabuseconference.org.au/. The conference is sure to be fascinating and is a must for all interested in elder law.

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, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. While elder abuse is vastly under-reported, it is estimated that up to 10 per cent of older people worldwide experience it (World Health Organisation).

The latest figures compiled the National Ageing Research Institute of Seniors Rights Victoria data over a two year period show that financial abuse and psychological/emotional abuse together are the most common forms of abuse reported by older Victorians (81.82%). Victims are most likely to be female (72.5%), and the perpetrators are 60% male and 40% female. 92.3% of abuse is perpetrated by persons related to the older person or in a de facto relationship: 66.8% of abuse is perpetrated by a child of the older person.

Abuse thrives in a society when respect does not exist. Like other forms of family violence, elder abuse is about one person having control over another and not respecting their rights. Elder abuse reflects the gender inequality but especially the ageism that is rife in our society today. It has a devastating impact for the older person; on their physical, mental, emotional and financial health. The impact is also felt by our broader community through the costs of service responses and the diminished engagement of victims of elder abuse within society in general.

The 4th National Elder Abuse Conference focuses on the rights of older people to live their lives free from ageism and elder abuse. From preventive programs, to early interventions and later responses, the conference will share innovative and collaborative approaches that inspire us. All those who work with older people are encouraged to attend.

With an excellent line-up of international and national speakers, the 4th National Elder Abuse Conference will:

• showcase new knowledge to use in practice,

• raise awareness more broadly of elder abuse,

• influence system change, and

• strengthen connections across sectors and states.

As our ageing population grows and there is a greater national focus on family violence, this conference is very timely. It will be a crucial part of the fight to stop elder abuse and ensure the rights of older people are observed.