World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place on 15 June every year. It is an opportunity for communities to come together and stand against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people.
Understanding what you can do to identify and prevent elder abuse is more important than ever. We can all play our part to help make sure older people feel safe, valued and respected.
About elder abuse
There’s no place for elder abuse in our community.
Elder abuse is a sensitive and often hidden issue. Research shows that up to 15 per cent of older people may be experiencing elder abuse. The real number is estimated to be much higher because elder abuse is often under reported.
Elder abuse is a form of family violence and includes any act occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which results in harm to an older person.
It can take many forms, including:
- Financial
- Psychological or emotional
- Physical
- Sexual
- Social
- Neglect.
Elder abuse can include one or a combination of these different types of abuse. Learn more about how to identify these forms of abuse on Seniors Rights Victoria.
Where to seek help
Seniors Rights Victoria is a confidential service staffed by qualified and experienced people who can provide advice, information and support to older people experiencing elder abuse.
Help is available if you are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, elder abuse. Call Senior Rights Victoria’s free helpline on 1300 368 821 from 10am–5pm, Monday to Friday. If you require an interpreter, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call the helpline.
If you are a concerned friend or family member, please encourage the older person to call Seniors Rights Victoria, or you can access information and resources online.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 000.
The Victorian Government funds Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria to deliver the Seniors Rights Victoria program to provide information, support, legal advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024
For WEAAD 2024, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing hosted an online event titled Collective action to address elder abuse: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024 webinar.
Hosted by Secretary Peta McCammon, the sector heard from the Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt MP and speakers from the Australian Institute of Family Studies, the Australian Human Rights Commission and Celebrate Ageing.
The speakers delved into:
- research on the gendered drivers of elder abuse
- how educational interventions spark positive attitudes towards older people; and
- innovative primary prevention initiatives.
This program provided a valuable set of resources, opportunities and ideas to support sector professionals taking preventative action to address elder abuse.