Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies (CAPS) Elder abuse is a serious issue that affects many older Australians, causing harm and distress within relationships built on trust. Join us for a thought-provoking webinar led by Dr. John Gilchrist, where we will delve into the legal position and redress for victims, with a special focus on financial abuse and neglect. We are also honoured to have Prof. Elizabeth Mackinlay shedding light on the spiritual and psychological aspects of abusive behaviour. This is an online event.

CAPS webinar: Let’s talk about: Spirituality and elder abuse

Elder Abuse: Understanding and Addressing the Hidden Crisis

Elder abuse is a serious issue that affects many older Australians, causing harm and distress within relationships built on trust. Join us for a thought-provoking webinar led by Dr. John Gilchrist, where we will delve into the legal position and redress for victims, with a special focus on financial abuse and neglect. We are also honoured to have Prof. Elizabeth Mackinlay shedding light on the spiritual and psychological aspects of abusive behaviour.

Did you know that the Australian Institute of Family Studies recently estimated that one in six older Australians experience elder abuse? Based on a survey of 7000 people dwelling in a community aged 65 and over for a 12-month period, the following types of abuse were reported:

Psychological abuse (11.7%)
Neglect (2.9%)
Financial abuse (2.1%)
Physical abuse (1.8%)
Sexual abuse (1%).

It also concluded that people with poor physical or psychological health and higher levels of social isolation are more likely to experience elder abuse.

The ABC online news on 10 July this year reported that ‘Mary Lou’– an 85 year old – says a Victorian government elder abuse service (IMOC) saved her from her son who used to park his car across her driveway to block her in her home and then demand money. There were other forms of abuse like racking up bills in her name and causing damage by throwing things at walls – and ‘Mary Lou’ felt ‘humiliated, horrified and all alone’ and had suicidal thoughts.

During the webinar, we will explore the broader social problems that contribute to elder abuse beyond supporting and comforting the victims. It’s time to examine the lack of ethics, decency, and empathy displayed by perpetrators, and work towards a comprehensive solution.

Dr John Gilchrist

Dr Gilchrist was Chair, Advisory Board, Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies, Charles Sturt University/ St Marks National Theological Centre (2009 – 2016). He was on the Chaplaincy Reference Group at the University of Canberra for about a decade and he was also a member of the Board of Anglicare retirement homes prior to his appointment to CAPS. His interest in aged care was stimulated by the decline and death of his parents in the 1990’s. Dr Gilchrist has a degree in Arts and two degrees in Law from Monash University and a PhD in law from QUT. He is the author/editor of several books on copyright law and was a member, or secretary of, two Commonwealth government enquiries in that field. He also has Graduate Certificates in Higher Education and Legal Professional Practice from UC and ANU respectively. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia. He is presently the Chair of the Council of All Saints College, a tertiary residential college in Canberra and is a consultant on legal and academic matters.

Note: This webinar is open to all interested individuals, including professionals, aged care providers, caregivers, chaplains, nurses and concerned community members.

This webinar is part of a series of continuing education sessions planned for 2023 by the Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies (CAPS).

See here for details of the other continuing education sessions planned

Attendance is free, but please register.

Note: This webinar is open to all interested individuals, including professionals, aged care providers, caregivers, chaplains, nurses and concerned community members.