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What to do and who to contact?
A major point to remember - whether you are personally coping with abuse
or whether you are concerned about the abuse of another - you are not
alone. Abusers very often exploit the fact that someone may be (or
feel) isolated or alone. They can encourage, emphasise or create
dependency in someone in order to exploit that feeling to their own
advantage. And, very often, they will rely on someone not disclosing,
or the natural disbelief that many people hold when considering elder
abuse.
It is important therefore to protect yourself if you are an older person,
and sometimes that can be very simple. It is also important that
neighbours, friends, families and practitioners are alert to the possibility
of abuse - and are therefore ready to act on concerns or suspicions.
Too often abuse has continued because people spotted something that felt
wrong, but took no action as they doubted their own concerns. And
sometimes the abuse has then continued for years longer.
Being alert to the possibility of abuse is sensible, without needlessly
seeing it everywhere. Being prepared to act is prudent.
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Options
Concerned for yourself
Concerned for others
Helpful contacts
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