New Videos Help Communities Recognise and Respond to Neglect and Financial Abuse
The NSW Ageing and Disability Commission has released two new animated videos designed to help families, carers and community members recognise and respond to neglect and financial abuse of older people and adults with disability.
Neglect and financial abuse can happen in any family, home or community, and they are often hard to spot. These new resources are a timely reminder that everyone has a role to play in keeping the people around them safe.
What the videos cover
The two short animations โ one on financial abuse and one on neglect โ walk through:
- What neglect and financial abuse can actually look like in everyday life
- Why people affected may not seek help, even when something is clearly wrong
- What to do if you are concerned about yourself, or about someone you know or support
A clear message: this is never “normal”
Both videos reinforce an important message for our communities: abuse and neglect are not a normal part of ageing or living with disability, and they should never be ignored or dismissed as “just how things are.”
The videos also highlight three simple but powerful rights that belong to everyone:
- The right to be safe
- The right to make your own decisions
- The right to access support
For culturally and linguistically diverse communities, these messages matter deeply. Older people and adults with disability from migrant and refugee backgrounds can face extra barriers to speaking up โ language, isolation, unfamiliarity with services, or fear of shame or family conflict. Having clear, accessible resources like these videos can make it easier to start a conversation, whether that’s with a neighbour, a client, a community member or a family member.
Acting early, and listening first
A key theme across both videos is the importance of acting early and listening to the person first. If you notice signs of neglect or financial abuse, or if someone shares a concern with you, the most important first steps are to listen without judgement and help connect them with the right support.
Watch and share
We encourage everyone in our network โ community workers, bilingual staff, volunteers, and families โ to watch these videos and share them widely.
Where to go for more information
Find HERE Resources for multicultural communities
Download HERE the Communications Toolkit.
More information and additional resources are available on the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission website: ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of an older person or an adult with disability, don’t wait โ reach out to the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission or speak with a trusted support service.
Source: Jeff Smith, NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner
