Raising the Issue of Sexual Abuse of Older Women

From the Opal Institute

Margarita is a 96 year old woman who was sexually abused by the acting manager of the Seniors Rental Service she was living in.  Margarita is the first older woman we know of in Australia who has been prepared (and had the support) to publicly share her story of sexual abuse as an older woman.  Margarita’s story helps to educate others.  The fact that she is the first older woman to share her story publicly demonstrates that older women are silenced.  Sexual abuse is NOT rare, it is rarely reported – and we need to understand why.  We need to listen.  Sexual abuse may be more prevalent than financial abuse.

On 9th June 2018, Margarita shared her story of sexual abuse with the Weekend Australian Magazine.  “He probably thought I’d just keep my mouth shut” she said.  Her story powerfully teaches us what we need to do to prevent sexual abuse.  You can read Margarita’s story by going to the Opal Institute website  https://www.opalinstitute.org/margarita.html featuring it.

Thank you to Susan Hocking for this important story, and congratulations on your Older People Speak Out Award in the Category of Best Coverage of a Controversial Issue Affecting Older People.