As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches on 15 June, a growing number of older New Zealanders are reaching out for help, prompting renewed calls for communities to confront what experts describe as one of the country’s most hidden forms of harm.
Age Concern New Zealand says thousands of older people and their whānau are seeking support through elder abuse prevention and response services, as a national campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward. The organisation’s message is simple: older people experiencing abuse do not have to face it alone.
Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial exploitation, psychological abuse, neglect, physical harm, cultural abuse and coercive control. Government agencies and support organisations say many cases occur within relationships where trust is expected, often involving family members, caregivers or others close to the victim.
Despite increasing awareness, experts believe most cases remain hidden. Research cited by Age Concern suggests around 10 percent of New Zealanders aged over 65 experience some form of abuse, while only a small fraction of incidents are ever reported to agencies able to intervene.
For Māori communities, the issue carries particular significance. Research commissioned through the Office for Seniors has found some groups face higher risks of elder abuse, including Māori, women and those who are socially isolated.
Advocates say abuse of kaumātua can have devastating impacts, affecting not only physical safety and financial security but also mana, wellbeing and connections to whānau and community.
The Ministry of Social Development is currently undertaking a long-term programme to better understand the prevalence, causes and impacts of elder abuse in Aotearoa. The initiative is designed to strengthen prevention efforts, improve support services and build a clearer picture of the harm occurring behind closed doors.
As part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, organisations including Age Concern, the Office for Seniors and community groups are encouraging New Zealanders to learn the warning signs, check in on older family members and support those who may be vulnerable.
Support services say financial abuse remains one of the fastest-growing concerns, particularly as older people become targets for scams, coercion and pressure from those seeking access to money, property or assets.
Community leaders stress that preventing elder abuse is not solely the responsibility of government agencies or service providers. They say protecting older people requires a collective effort involving whānau, neighbours, communities and institutions working together to ensure kaumātua can age with dignity, safety and respect.
With awareness growing and more people seeking help, campaign organisers hope the message reaching older New Zealanders this year is clear: abuse is never acceptable, support is available, and no one should suffer in silence.
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