# Waatea News — "You're Not Alone": Thousands Seek Help as Elder Abuse Campaign Gains Momentum

**Source:** [Waatea News: Māori Radio Station](https://waateanews.com/2026/06/04/youre-not-alone-thousands-seek-help-as-elder-abuse-awareness-campaign-gains-momentum/)  
**Author:** Matthew Tukaki  
**Published:** 4 June 2026  
**Capture Date:** 10 June 2026

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## Summary

As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June 2026) approaches, thousands of older New Zealanders and their whānau are reaching out for help through Age Concern's elder abuse prevention and response services, prompting renewed calls for communities to confront what experts describe as one of the country's most hidden forms of harm.

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## Key Statistics

- **~10% of New Zealanders aged 65+** experience some form of abuse
- Only a **small fraction of incidents** are ever reported to agencies
- Most cases remain **hidden**

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## Types of Elder Abuse Highlighted

- Financial exploitation
- Psychological abuse
- Neglect
- Physical harm
- **Cultural abuse** _(specifically named — less commonly covered in mainstream reporting)_
- Coercive control

Abuse often occurs in **trusted relationships** — family members, caregivers.

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## Impact on Māori Communities

The article gives specific attention to Māori communities:

- Higher risk groups include **Māori, women, and socially isolated** individuals
- Abuse of **kaumātua** (elders) damages:
  - Physical safety and financial security
  - **Mana** (status/dignity)
  - Wellbeing and whānau/community connections
- Cultural abuse is a distinct category affecting Māori elders

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## Government Response

- **Ministry of Social Development (MSD)** running a long-term programme to:
  - Understand prevalence, causes, and impacts
  - Strengthen prevention
  - Improve support services

- **Elder Abuse Awareness Month** activities by Age Concern, Office for Seniors, and community groups (learning warning signs, checking on vulnerable older family members, providing support)

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## Financial Abuse — Fastest-Growing Concern

Targets include:

- Scams
- Coercion and pressure to access money, property, or assets

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## Collective Responsibility

Preventing elder abuse requires **whānau, neighbours, communities, and institutions** working together. The goal is to ensure kaumātua age with **dignity, safety, and respect**.

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## Cross-References

| KB Resource                                   | Location                                                                            |
| --------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Age Concern NZ — WEAAD Campaign 2026          | `2026 - Age Concern NZ - WEAAD Campaign Take the Step.md`                           |
| Elder Abuse Information (full types & signs)  | `2026 - Age Concern NZ - Web Capture - Elder Abuse Information.md`                  |
| Elder Abuse Topic Map                         | `2026 - Elder Abuse Topic Map - Warning Signs Financial Abuse and Help Pathways.md` |
| University of Auckland — Risk Assessment Tool | `2026 - University of Auckland - Elder Abuse Risk Assessment Tool.md`               |

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## Support Contacts

- **Elder Abuse Response Service (24/7):** 0800 32 668 65
- **Text:** 5032
- **Age Concern:** 0800 652 105
- **Emergency:** 111