Walk Against Elder Abuse reminds Launceston there is no excuse

The Council on the Ageing held their annual Walk Against Elder Abuse in Launceston and Hobart on Friday, June 14.

The rally is aimed at raising awareness for the prevention of a national issue.

Former COTA Tasmania chairperson and volunteer for the walk Ian Fletcher said elder abuse is an bigger issue than people realise.

"It's an embarrassment to most people when it's happening to them they don't want people to know," Mr Fletcher said.

"Usually it's a close relative that is doing something to either hurt them or make them scared of something."

Mr Fletcher said there were about 3000-4000 serious cases of elder abuse reported in Tasmania a year.

Tasmania Police Northern District Commander Brett Smith said as people move into older age they shouldn't live in fear.

He added that a number of crimes including aggravated burglary, theft and assault are committed because of a victim's older age.

"People know that they're probably less capable of defending themselves and sticking up for themselves," he said.

"People I think are very lucky to move into an older age but they shouldn't fear moving into their older years simply because they're vulnerable."

He added that it was important for victims of observers of elder abuse to speak up and contact the Tasmanian Elder Abuse Hotline on 1800 441 169.