Yarning circle addresses elder abuse

Devon Cuimara, an aboriginal leader living in Newman WA, has organised a yarning circle to discuss the issue. Devon wanted to start by looking at the causes of elder abuse. His view is that the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation have created systemic issues that lead to various forms of abuse, including cultural displacement and lateral violence within communities.

Caregiver stress is another factor; those responsible for elder care may experience high stress levels, leading to abusive behaviours. Economic pressures can drive individuals to exploit elders for financial gain.

Many Indigenous communities face a lack of adequate facilities and support systems for elder care. Additionally, social isolation makes elders more vulnerable to abuse, as they lack a robust support network to notice and report any issues.

So the big question then is how to prevent elder abuse.

To hear the full interview Devon Cuimara gave to Ngaarda Media, click on the link below.