Sunday, June 19, 2016

Author highlights personal story on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day


WEDNESDAY (June 15) is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and an author who is aiming to highlight the problem is selling copies of her book which tells of a lengthy family feud.

Adrienne Nairn, who now lives in New Zealand will be selling copies of her book My Brother My Enemy at WH Smiths in Exeter tomorrow (Thursday).

The book details a protracted legal dispute involving Adrienne and her brother over the care of her stepmother.

She explains: "I was motivated to write a book to highlight what can happen and if it helps warn others of the dangers that is great."

Mrs Nairn moved to New Zealand in 2002 and published the book with the aid of a ghost writer three years ago. 

Elder abuse can take a variety of different forms, not just physical, but also emotional and financial and Mrs Nairn says it is more widespread than many people realise.

Government recognition is also increasing with ministers using the global day of awareness to call on people to commit to understanding signs that an older person could be vulnerable to abuse.

The Minister of State for Community and Social Care, Alistair Burt, said: "Every older person deserves to live out their life in health and security. Yet, every year, thousands of older people are denied that most basic right because of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, focuses attention to this global public health issue.

"Victims of elder abuse are parents and grandparents, neighbours and friends. Elder abuse cuts across race, gender, culture, and circumstance, and whether physical, emotional, or financial, it takes an unacceptable toll on individuals and families across our country.

"Seniors who experience abuse or neglect face a heightened risk of health complications and premature death, while financial exploitation can rob men and women of the security they have built over a lifetime. Tragically, many older people suffer in silence, burdened by fear, shame, or impairments that prevent them from speaking out about abuse.

"We owe it to older people to expose elder abuse wherever we find it and take action to bring it to an end. Together, all of us can play a role in addressing this crisis. Today, let us speak out against elder abuse.

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