03/12/2025
Today, December 3rd, we acknowledge the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This is a crucial day we shine a light on an urgent issue: the high risk of elder abuse faced by our Kaumātua and Kuia Whaikaha (our elderly with disabilities). 👵🏽🧓🏾
For many Tāngata Whaikaha, the risks of violence, abuse, and neglect are higher throughout life. For our elders, these risks are compounded by age, dependency on care, and social isolation.
The Overlooked Vulnerability:
🍃Reliance on Trust: Elder abuse, in any form (physical, emotional, financial, or neglect), often occurs within relationships where there is an expectation of trust—such as with family members, whānau, or carers.
🍃Barriers to Reporting: Kaumātua and Kuia Whaikaha may face greater difficulty in reporting abuse due to communication barriers, fear of losing essential care and support, or fear of reprisal from the abuser.
🍃Systemic Neglect: Inadequate support systems, ableist attitudes, and a lack of specific, accessible services can place our elders at unnecessary risk of harm.
🙌We must uphold the mana and tino rangatiratanga of every elderly Tāngata Whaikaha.
🧡🧡If you are a Kaumātua or Kuia Whaikaha:
🧡You have the right to live safely, with dignity and respect.
🧡Your voice matters. Your concerns will be heard and taken seriously.
✨If you are a Whānau member, Carer, or Community Member:
🧡Be vigilant and learn the signs of abuse and neglect.
🧡Listen with respect and without judgement.
🧡Challenge ageism and ableism in all its forms.
🧡Check and help out tangata whaikaha in the community or on your street.
🆘 Need Help? You Are Not Alone.
If you or someone you know is an elderly Tāngata Whaikaha experiencing or at risk of abuse, please reach out. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in Aotearoa:
📞 Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS): 0800 32 668 65
