Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) and COTA Victoria are marking this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) with three major events set to take place in Melbourne and Shepparton, Victoria.
First up, a special WEAAD Keynote Address will launch SRV’s yearly efforts on the afternoon of 14 June. Guest speaker Maria Dimopoulos AM, Chair of Safe+Equal, will be joined by SRV and COTA Victoria CEO, Chris Potaris, for a keynote address and Q&A session.
“This is an important forum to engage the family violence sector to discuss and explore an intersectional approach to responding to elder abuse,” said Mr Potaris.
SRV will also hold two Stir a Cuppa with Seniors events on WEAAD itself, 15 June. A morning tea will be held at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre in Shepparton, Victoria from 10.30 am. In Melbourne’s CBD, a free afternoon tea forum kicks off from 1.30 pm at the City of Melbourne Bowls Club in Flagstaff Gardens with special guest speaker Patricia Edgar AM.
Additional staff from Seniors Rights Victoria will be in attendance at all three events to provide further education focused on elder abuse prevention.
Seniors Rights Victoria’s events take place alongside many others around Australia and the world; its WEAAD website gathers nationwide events in one spot so those in any state or territory can find a function nearest them.
The importance of WEAAD is highlighted in Older, Not Alone, a new campaign that will launch in early June through a partnership between COTA Victoria, Seniors Rights Victoria, and the Municipal Association of Victoria.
For more information about WEAAD, visit elderabuseawarenessday.org.au.
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse and would like information and advice, help is available through Seniors Rights Victoria’s Helpline (1300 368 821) or website.
