Metadata for Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit Dashboard 2017-18
Find out more about the data set in each dashboard, such as the title, description, data filters, data limitations, data source, etc.
Calls to the Helpline
- Number of calls to the Helpline
- Reason for call
- Abuse types included in calls
Measure – Number of calls to the Helpline
Description
This refers to the total number of calls made to the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit (EAHRU) in the reporting period.
EAHRU was established as part of the NSW Ageing Strategy to help intervene and prevent incidences of the abuse of older people. It offers a free service that provides information, support and referrals relating to the abuse of older people living in the community across NSW. The Helpline places the safety of the older person first. Its service is confidential and callers remain anonymous.
Publisher
Department of Communities and Justice
Numerator
Not applicable
Denominator
Not applicable
Data Filters
- Financial Year
Data Limitations
Not applicable
Data Source
EAHRU data extracts
Measure – Reason for call
Description
This refers to the total number of reasons for callers to contact the Elder Abuse Helpline in the reporting period. A call to the Helpline is categorised into Abuse, Information and Not Stated.
The determination of an abuse call is based on the response of a caller for the ‘Alleged [type] abuse?’ question. For a call with the ‘Yes’ response, this call is then regarded as the abuse call.
The Helpline responds to calls of alleged abuse towards older people by ensuring an experienced consultant takes the time to comprehensively understand the caller’s concerns and the needs and wishes of the older person. The consultant will then develop an appropriate action plan, including making referrals to appropriate agencies. Consultants also provide real-world practical advice to the caller such as demystifying some of the issues and/or options relating to older persons (e.g., Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, legal support services, community service structure, etc.).
Consultants also provide information and clarification on the NSW Interagency Policy to relevant service-sector callers.
Publisher
Department of Communities and Justice
Numerator
Not applicable
Denominator
Not applicable
Data Filters
- Financial Year
Data Limitations
Not applicable
Measure – Abuse types included in calls
Description
The numbers refer to the total number of each Psychological, Financial, Physical, Neglect and Sexual abuse type reported to the Elder Abuse Helpline in the reporting period.
The percentage figures refer to the total number of Psychological, Financial, Physical, Neglect and Sexual abuse type reported to the Elder Abuse Helpline in the reporting period as a percentage of the total number of calls to the Helpline in the reporting period.
As a call can involve more than one abuse type, the percentage total is greater than 100%.
An older person is considered to face alleged abuse when the person encounters any of the following.
Psychological abuse
- Someone threatening to hurt you or damage your belongings
- Being intimidated, humiliated or harassed
- Being threatened with eviction or moving to a nursing home
- Being stopped from seeing your family or friends or attending regular activities
- Being denied the right to make your own decisions
- Being treated like a child
Financial abuse
- Your pension skimmed or money taken from your bank account
- Your belongings sold without permission
- Your money or property taken improperly through the misuse of an Enduring Power of Attorney
- Being forced to change your Will
- Being denied access to, or control of your own funds
Neglect
- Not allowed to access the services you need
- Not having your physical, medical or emotional needs met
Physical abuse
- Slapping, hitting, pushing, shaking, shoving or restraining
- Inappropriate physical or chemical restraints
- Harm created by over- or under-medicating
Sexual abuse
- Someone making unwanted sexual approaches or behaving indecently towards you
- No consent, or consent given by using force or threats
Publisher
Department of Communities and Justice
Numerator
The total number of Psychological, Financial, Physical, Neglect and Sexual abuse type reported to the Elder Abuse Helpline in the reporting period.
Denominator
The total number of calls to the Helpline in the reporting period.
Data Filters
- Financial Year
Data Limitations
Not applicable
Data Source
EAHRU data extracts