Those at risk of, or experiencing abuse by family members, spouse, friends
	an older person generally over 65 years
	an older people's representative. This is someone who is acting in the best interest of the older person
	Care staff to provide information and strategies to uphold rights, regardless of where people live.

	Physical abuse
	Financial abuse
	Verbal abuse
	Sexual abuse
	Neglect
	Social abuse - such as social life and relationships being restricted
	Information about safeguards to build into power of attorney documents
	Strategies to prevent abuse occurring

Click here for important information about Compulsory Reporting of Sexual and Physical Assault.

Examples of concerns we can help you with:

Example 1

Mr James contacted ARAS and stated he was being physically and financially abused by his daughter. He said that his daughter was borrowing money to gamble. Mr James said if he refused to give her the money she would push him and twice he had fallen over.

Mr James used ARAS to develop strategies to protect himself and to safeguard his daughter. Mr James realised that unless he took action his daughter may eventually hurt him and he may need medical help and the police would become involved.

Mr James said that because he found it difficult to say no to his daughter he decided to have an independent Power of Attorney (POA) while he was sorting out his financial situation. The POA informed the daughter that they were now responsible for her father's finances, and that any further requests for money would be made through them, with all borrowings to be repaid. ARAS supported Mr James to speak to another family member, who was able to raise his concerns with his daughter. Mr James was provided with information about services to stop gambling to pass on to his daughter.

Mr James reported several months later the daughter had ceased borrowing money and as a result the physical abuse had stopped. Mr James stated that he and other family members were encouraging his daughter to seek help for her gambling.

Example 2

ARAS was contacted by Mrs Grant, who said that she had been physically and financially abused by her nephew. She said that he had asked her for money when he was drunk, and then attacked her when she refused to give it to him.

Mrs Grant was in a dilemma, for she wanted to protect herself, yet felt responsible for her nephew.

Mrs Grant came to realise that as much as she loved her nephew, his behaviour showed that he was not respecting her.

She decided that she needed to take steps, both to protect herself and to safeguard her nephew's long term interests.

She realised that if she did not take action, her nephew may continue to commit offences that may well result in trial and imprisonment.

APP assisted Mrs Grant to take steps to get control back over her life. APP found information on alcohol management for Mrs Grant.

Mrs Grant decided to report her nephew's offence to the SA Police. They then acted on her report, and interviewed her nephew.

APP wishes to pass on the key messages that helped clarify the issues for Mrs Grant, and enabled her to take action:

	Alcohol is no excuse for violence, even from close family members or friends.
	You are not responsible for another's violent actions.
	You are at risk of further assaults if you do not protect yourself.
	Help is available to assist you to stand up for your rights.
	Call ARAS, we can assist you.

^ Back to top

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - --