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Everybody deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.


Elder abuse comes in many forms. It can be financial, emotional or psychological, physical, sexual, or neglect. Some forms of abuse, such as sexual abuse, are criminal acts. Elder abuse can occur once, or many times. It can include one or a combination of the different types of abuse. Our case studies below provide anonymous examples of elder abuse. 

Elder abuse can be intentional or unintentional. Most often the abuse is carried out by someone known to the older person. In many cases, the person responsible is a family member, friend, professional, or paid caregiver. Elder abuse affects people of all genders and all walks of life. The abuse, however, disproportionately women. Two thirds of people seeking help from Seniors Rights Victoria are women. 
 
Elder abuse can happen in any kind of family or relationship. It can range from a person not considering an older person’s needs to someone intentionally causing harm. 
 
Seniors Rights Victoria provide information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people. We help Victorians 60 and above, or any Indigenous Victorians 45 and above.

Your rights

We all have the right to live safely and to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what age we are. Learn more about your rights.
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Seniors Rights Victoria

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is the lead state-wide organisation tackling elder abuse in Victoria. We work with people to increase their degree of self-determination, enabling them to represent their own interests and claim their rights.
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Resources and Education

Resources and Education

We provide support, resources and education to raise awareness of and to help prevent elder abuse.
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Policy and Research

Policy and Research

We work to prevent elder abuse by advocating for particular policy positions and law reform.
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Sign up to our newsletter

Receive our quarterly newsletter with news and updates on events, workshops and presentations.
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Elder Abuse Toolkit icon in purple

Elder Abuse Response Toolkit

The Elder Abuse Response Toolkit is a  web page with information for anyone who works with older people.
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Tip Sheets

Seniors Rights Victoria develops various tip sheets on a multitude of subjects related to elder abuse.
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Videos

SRV produces videos, many of which are available in multiple languages, that you might find useful.
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Seven Years of Elder Abuse Data in Victoria

Some facts and figures about elder abuse

More women than men — 72% to 28% — seek advice from Seniors Rights Victoria with family members the most likely (91%) to perpetrate the abuse. These were some of the findings of Seven Years of Elder Abuse Data in Victoria, a joint report released in August 2020 by Seniors Rights Victoria and the National Ageing Research Institute.
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Real story: Shauna's story

Shauna is 75. Recently her only son, Patrick, moved back home with her after her husband died. Her son has substance abuse issues...
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Real story: Vic's story

Vic lives independently in his own home with some home care assistance provided weekly. He’s active with a local walking group and enjoys...
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Real story: John's story

John is an 83yo man, who migrated to Australia in 1965. John has a diagnosis of depression, which is being treated with medications...
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Real story: Beatrice's story

Beatrice is 70 years old. She has been married for 49 years and has three grown children. She is receiving temporary home after-care...
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Real story: George's story

A year ago, George, who is 82 years old and lives alone in the family home, agreed that his son, Petro, could live with him...
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Popular articles

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Safety and Emergencies
Vic's story
Vic lives independently in his own home with some home care assistance provided weekly. He’s active with a local walking group...
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SRV Shauna's story
Shauna's story
Shauna is 75. Recently her only son, Patrick, moved back home with her after her husband died. Her son has substance abuse issues...
Click here
Sample Image
Beatrice's story
Beatrice is 70 years old. She has been married for 49 years and has three grown children. She is receiving temporary home after-care...
Click here

Latest news and events

See all news and events here
16/09/2021

Elder Abuse on 3CR

SRV's Melanie Joosten was featured on 3CR's Women on the Line show, talking about elder abuse and Covid 19's impact.
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06/09/2021

Videos available in other languages

Thanks to a grant from the Victorian Law Foundation, our Future Planning videos are now available in Hindi, Vietnamese and Arabic.
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11/08/2021

Speakers in Spring

This series of free forums for seniors focusses on planning ahead. The sessions will include lifestyle choices and preferences, the best person to appoint as a decision maker and Enduring…
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Call
If you, or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, help is available through our confidential helpline on 1300 368 821. If it is an emergency, call 000.
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