Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) and Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria are urging all Victorians to come together this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and rally around the right of older people to feel safe and live free from fear.
Recognised by The United Nations General Assembly and celebrated annually on 15 June, WEAAD provides an opportunity for communities to stand together against the abuse, mistreatment, and neglect of older people.
For this year’s WEAAD campaign, Seniors Rights Victoria and COTA Victoria have partnered with the Housing for the Aged Action group to revitalise the Warm Safe Home project, an initiative first developed by Dr Becky Nevin Berger for the South-West Victoria Elder Abuse Prevention Network back in 2020.
The Warm Safe Home project uses handcrafted, small-scale model houses decorated by students, artists, seniors, carer support groups, professional organisations, and other community members to frame conversations about the rights of older people.
“The most recent study of elder abuse prevalence in Australia found that 14.8% of those 65 years and over had experienced at least one recognised form of elder abuse over the previous 12 months,” said Seniors Rights Victoria Manager and Principal Lawyer, Avital Kamil.
“This suggests that 160,000 older Victorians are reporting that they have experienced elder abuse each year.
“This year, we wanted to deliver a campaign that engaged the community beyond WEAAD, and across Victoria,” said Mr Kamil.
“More than 50 groups across the state have gathered to create Warm Safe Homes, and many of these groups will meet again to exhibit them, ensuring WEAAD extends far beyond a single day in 2024.
“We believe this public campaign will raise awareness about the signs and prevalence of elder abuse, where to go to get help, and reinforce the right of older people to feel safe at home.”
Seniors Rights Victoria is supporting others’ WEAAD events throughout the state, culminating in a 13 June launch of the Warm Safe Home project and online exhibition at the City of Melbourne’s Swanston Hall.
A full listing of events, WEAAD social media tiles and resources, and assistance for those experiencing or at risk of elder abuse resources, is available on the WEAAD website, elderabuseawarenessday.org.au.
If you are in Victoria and experiencing elder abuse, help is available through Seniors Rights Victoria’s confidential helpline on 1300 368 821. Our website – seniorsrights.org.au – also features resources for concerned friends or family members.
For nationwide assistance, and to access additional resources in 20 different languages, please contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374).
If it is an emergency, call 000.
