It’s time to celebrate our golden oldies
Grandparents Week is an annual event to honour and recognise the valuable contribution grandparents make to their families and the wider ACT Community. For ACT Policing, it’s a time to create awareness of elder abuse and the need to protect our vulnerable members of society.
Elder abuse can be financial, physical, sexual, psychological or verbal and 75-85 per cent of those aged 65+ have experienced elder abuse including bullying, theft and denial of proper care.
The most vulnerable age group is 85+ and two out of three abused have experienced at least two prior incidents before the abuse is brought to someone’s attention.
Officer-in-Charge Community Safety Detective Station Sergeant Jason Kennedy said these figures are alarming and unacceptable.
“Bullies that target the elderly are some of the lowest in society and ACT Policing takes these crimes very seriously,” he said.
“Elders should be aware of door knockers selling unnecessary maintenance work. Never let anyone inside your house, particularly if you didn’t request the work.
“Scammers are also actively calling asking seniors to transfer money or buy large amounts of gift cards. We want them to end the conversation, do not call back. Scammers can stay on the line, so use a different phone to call a trusted adult or police.
“Often elders are too scared to report being scammed due to backlash from their family. We want seniors to know their privacy can be assured so please report any abuse or scams,” Detective Station Sergeant Kennedy said.
ACT Policing will have an information stall at the Bus Depot Markets this Sunday (30 October) between 10am-4pm, so come and say hello. Information can be found on our Community Events page.
We’re asking the community to check in on your parents, neighbours and friends. Ask them if they’re ok and if you see something that isn’t right, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au