Mrs Thomson, 75, said on more than one occasion she has feared for her safety, especially after her close friend was recently punched in the side of her face and had her handbag stolen in central Albury.

She will join a forum at Age Concern tomorrow and Friday to train the public to pick up on signs of elder abuse.

Enrolments are still being taken.

“Elder abuse can take many forms including physical, sexual, financial, emotional, psychological and neglect,” Age Concern counselling, support, information and advocacy worker Joanne Gould said.

The training forum follows one held earlier in the year.

“The idea is to develop a local resource guide which will include contacts and also train volunteers in the community to recognise certain signs relating to abuse and work to address it,” Ms Gould said.

Mrs Thomson said members of her variety entertainers group would attend the forum to become volunteers.

“It’s important older people are always mindful and aware of people around them, and that people in the community are trained to pick up on signs of elder abuse,” Mrs Thomson said.

The training forum will be held tomorrow for workers and on Friday for volunteers.

Anyone interested in attending should phone Ms Gould at Age Concern on (02) 6021 5122.