SAY "NO" TO ELDER ABUSE 4th National Elder Abuse Conference

BHUTANESE COMMUNITY

डिपे्रसनको लागि “नाई” भन्नु

City of Salisbury approach

• Salisbury is a multicultural council area

• We have a large CHSP program

• CaLD team

• Requests from cultural communities

• Our approach

Our First steps

• Identify resettlement and social issues

• Understand community needs and cultural behaviours

• Understand the traumatic experience of the exodus from Bhutan to Nepal refugee camp

• Work with issues related to coping with life in a foreign country and dealing with culture shock , grief, loss, trauma and painful memories, religious issues and identity.

How did we start conversation about elder abuse

• We learnt a lot about them in the first 12 months

• Started to hear and understand their stories, history and religious traditions

• Group rapidly grow, with majority of people living in Salisbury

• ‘Cast issues’

Social abuse सामाजिक दरुुपयोि

Used to isolate older people from community activities

and their friends and this includes:

-Preventing contact with friends and family members

-Limited or stop the using of a phone

-Withholding their mail

-Stop older person in attending social activities ( attending religious

celebrations, cultural event, family celebrations, outings…)

Elder Abuse can be Physical-शारीररक Financial-वित्तीय Social-सामाजिक

Sexual-लैंगिक Neglect -हेला Psychological-Emotionalमनोबैज्ञाननक

…Let’s talk about it यसबारे कुरा िरौं

Signs and symptoms of elder abuse

अपहेलनाका लक्षणहरू At first, you might not recognize or take seriously signs of elder abuse.

They may appear to be symptoms of dementia or signs of the elderly person’s

frailty — or caregivers may explain them to you that way.

It is true that many of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse do overlap with

symptoms of mental deterioration, or dementia,

but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss them…talk to them, ask them

questions…are you OK? Are you unhappy? Are you sick? Are you safe? Have

you taken your medication today? Did you had sufficient food and drinks?

Can I help you?

Barriers

• People did not want to talk about topic like cast, human rights and abuse

• Elder abuse particularly difficult topic

Next… • Definition, recognition and prevention ..how? • Learning and support – Culturally appropriate • Empowerment and decision making • Human rights • Problem solution • Techniques: use of metaphor examples, drama play

and stories • Work from the “core” problem • Mediation and external help

Knowledge is power To know helps to protect those who are at risk To know, gives responsibility to do something about it

ज्ञान शजतत हो थाहा पाउनाले ख़तरा बाट सुरक्षक्षत भईन्छ थाहा पाउनु नै केही िने ज़िम्मेिारी ललनु हो

Preventing abuse, maintain your rights दरुुपयोिको रोकथाम,

आफ्नो अगिकार कायम िरौं

Knowledge is Power

Important Community Connections

• Community leaders/priests

• Gate keepers

• Families

• Services providers

-Some time it is difficult to know if what you are experiencing is really “ abuse” -The world “abuse” it is scary -It is difficult to talk about private matters -It is difficult to disclose family issues -It is difficult to talk about the pain you are suffering that comes from the hands of those you love most -Some time what you really need , is a good friend to talk to about this -If you are confused or in pain, it is ok to say so -Some times, you are scared for your future or the future of those you love -Some time you feel judged from other people and this make you feel very bad about your self or your family members

-If you remain active in your community and maintain contact with family members and friend you are less at risk -If you have extended family and friends that you trust and you can talk to, you are less at risk -If you are involved in community activities you are less at risk - You are not alone, don’t be scared

-Do not feel pressured to give money to family or friends if you do not want to do so -Ask questions -Ask for help from family, friends or people you can trust -Remain active and present in the community

-You have the right to say “no” -You have the right to talk and to find a solution -You have the right to be informed and to be protected -You have the right to be cared for and to be loved

तपाईले नाई भन्ने अधिकार छ तपाईले देखभाल पाउने अधिकार छ तपाईले माया पाउने अधिकार छ

You have the right to be cared for and to be loved

तपाईले देखभाल पाउने अगिकार छ तपाईले माया पाउने अगिकार छ

Some times… a trustworthy friend is the only thing you really need.

Many problems can be resolved with a talk …

Some times…a trustworthy friend is the only thing you really need Many problems can be resolved with a talk

… Some times… Power in the hands of some people can be damaging Knowledge, Love and Understanding is the cure

…some times …you also need some extra professional help…

When we are together, there is NO DIVISION only unity And in UNITED we can reach better communication

UNITED WE STAND BUT IF WE ARE DIVIDED WE FALL

Language and Culture may be different but all Seniors hold wisdom and beauty in their eyes…

भाषा र संस्कृनत फरक हुन सतछ तर सबै बदृ्िबदृ्दाका निरमा बुवि र सुन्दरता हुन्छ

…Elderly people were young once…

The Crown of Wisdom

Older people were young once They had to walk far to get where they are today

they were once respected and well known to the society. They had to live a long life to deserve wrinkles on their face

They have seen much, they loved much , they have suffered much, worked much. They have learned much, and for this , they have a crown of silver hair on their head.

Their presence in society enriches life. Their presence in our lives bring joy and love .

Their wisdom is our anchor and the reason for our life. Poem By Mary Ceravolo©

SAY NO TO ELDERLY ABUSE

ििृ शोषण नकाने

Life is beautiful…lets live our life without abuse …

जीवन सनु्दर छ ... हाम्रो जीवन दरुुपयोग बिना बिताउ

NAMASTE