Purple flowers spread awareness of elder abuse in hopes of reducing offending

Local knitters and crocheters have united for a project recognising World Elder Abuse Day, with the aim of spreading awareness to prevent further abuse.

A wall hanging adorned with various purple flowers has been created by the community and will be displayed inside the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre during an event next Monday recognising World Elder Abuse Day.

Hosted by the centre and handicraft group Dizzy Fingers, the event aims to spread awareness of the types of elder abuse that many often suffer silently through.

Event co-ordinator Esther Roadnight said the offending could be extremely subtle, with many not noticing it was happening to them, and she hoped the event would make more people aware of it.

“People need to keep an eye on elders as well — if their demeanour has changed it might be because they’re getting pressure, not necessarily from family, it can be friends or neighbours,” she said.

“It’s often that subtle pressure and manipulation — not always physical abuse — or financial as well.

“And they act like they’re doing it for you, helping you, and that it will make it easier for you. But in fact, it goes much deeper that the surface of what they say they are doing, and there’s much more underneath.

“It can be very challenging for older people because they’re not sure what they should do or who they should talk to.”

Mrs Roadnight encouraged anyone who believed they might be a victim of elder abuse to speak up.

The idea for the wall hanging came from the annual Purple Road initiative which collects various stretches of purple flower hangings to join on to one another, raising awareness of elder abuse.

Mrs Roadnight thanked the community members who helped create the flowers for the local project.

Anyone wishing to attend next Monday’s event at 11.30am is encouraged to notify the EGCC for catering purposes.

World Elder Abuse Day is June 15.