![Do you know the signs of elder abuse? Do you know the signs of elder abuse?](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/zFAiTDuEg3GdzaaJJ3MGNK/c97a8adb-6cb0-465d-9b19-16ddd2449bae.jpeg/r0_236_1080_1006_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
COVID-19, social isolation and financial pressures on older children have created an elder abuse "perfect storm" according to the Age Discrimination Commissioner Kay Patterson.
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She was speaking today (October 1, 2020) on the International Day of Older Persons as the Australian Human Rights Commission launches a new elder abuse awareness campaign.
The campaign features a hard-hitting video that reveals 'red flag phrases' that can often indicate an older person is experiencing elder abuse.
Pre-COVID-19, the Australian Institute of Family Studies said it was likely that between 2 per cent and 14 per cent of older Australians were experiencing elder abuse in any given year, with financial abuse the most prevalent form.
The Commission is concerned that COVID-19 has heightened the risk of elder abuse for some older people in Australia.
"Elder abuse is a human rights scourge that has no place in our community," said Dr Patterson.
"Social isolation is a driver of elder abuse - and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased social isolation for many older people. Financial pressures on adult children are a driver of financial elder abuse - and the economic fallout of COVID-19 has increased those too. This is a perfect storm.
"We all need to know the signs of elder abuse and understand that it can happen to any older person, regardless of their background or lifestyle. I hope this campaign helps more people to recognise the 'red flags' and know that they can do something about it. Together, we can all help end elder abuse."
![New campaign highlights the scourge of elder abuse. New campaign highlights the scourge of elder abuse.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/zFAiTDuEg3GdzaaJJ3MGNK/c9829a0e-7367-4b11-a1e3-11e9fcafff13.png/r0_130_940_658_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Elder abuse can be financial, physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or neglect. It often takes place behind closed doors at home and, tragically, it is usually perpetrated by a family member or close contact of the older person.
You can watch the video below or on the Commission's website - www.humanrights.gov.au
If you experience, witness or suspect elder abuse, you can call the free, confidential National Elder Abuse phone line for information, support and referrals 1800ELDERHelp, 1800 353 374.