Category Archives: WEAAD

We can prevent elder abuse in communities

While there is no comprehensive data available for the prevalence of elder abuse in Australia, it is estimated that up to 14 per cent of older people may be experiencing abuse.

In most cases elder abuse is an intergenerational form of family violence. In 2016-17, people aged 60 years or over made up just over 5,400 of the family members affected in family violence incidents recorded by Victoria Police (Crime Statistics Agency).

“Just as respectful relationships within families help prevent family violence, respect for older family members is a primary protection against elder abuse, particularly when it comes to a family’s financial arrangements,” Seniors Rights Victoria Manager Jenny Blakey said. read more

Event ideas for WEAAD

Anyone can host an event or help raise awareness for WEAAD. In particular, we encourage councils and seniors groups to jump on board and get together on the day, even if only for a cuppa and a conversation. It can be as simple as an afternoon tea or walking through your community wearing purple (although you’ll need to rug up because it is June!)

Seniors Rights Victoria is supporting a public awareness campaign throughout the community by way of its public talks and by inviting all Victorian public libraries to include complimentary purple bookmarks in books borrowed by their customers. Look out for these at a library near year throughout the month of June. read more

Should elder abuse be criminalised?

To link with this year’s Law Week activities hosted in May and in advance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June, Seniors Rights Victoria has released some additional discussion papers covering some legal complexities linked with elder abuse.

The initial series of discussion papers released aim to build understanding between the family violence sector and older people experiencing elder abuse, acknowledging that despite the progress of reforms into family violence, gaps remain on how best to integrate older people in this space. read more

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Seniors Rights Victoria is in planning mode for this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), remembered globally on June 15 each year, including the development of key themes for the 2018 celebrations.

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated that day for WEAAD as the main day in the year when the world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people.

An increasing number of activities and events are held across the globe on this day to raise awareness of elder abuse, and highlight ways to challenge such abuse. Information on activities in Victoria will be updated on our WEAAD website as details become available, and you can also register your own event. Look for our updated WEAAD Toolkit which should be available by the end of April, customise this media release for your own event and order your WEAAD merchandise. read more

Community Rallies to Stop Elder Abuse

On June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we stood together as a community in saying “we can stop elder abuse”.

Seniors Rights Victoria and the Office of Public Advocate hosted a booked-out forum at Melbourne Town Hall, at which the Attorney-General, Senator the Hon. George Brandis QC, launched (via video link) the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Report ‘Elder Abuse – A National Legal Response’. We welcome the release of the Report and commend the Australian Government on recognising the need for this Inquiry, which will provide a strong foundation for future action. read more

 Seniors Rights Victoria is hosting the 4th National Elder Abuse Conference, which will be taking place from 23-25 February 2016 at the Pullman on the Park, Melbourne Australia.

The 4th National Elder Abuse Conference 2016 aims to prevent and resolve elder abuse by showcasing new knowledge to use in practice, raise awareness and influence system change.   The Conference will provide a high level of education with internationally acclaimed speakers from medical and allied health, education, government and aged care sectors, as well as arresting discussion on a range of topics. The social events will provide an opportunity for important networking. read more

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Forum

Frankston Concert- 1_cropped

Do you work with older people? Would you like to learn more about emerging issues related to elder abuse? This year’s WEAAD Forum on the topic of Human Rights are Ageless will be held on Monday 16 June at Victoria University City Convention Centre.

Register now    or phone Gary Ferguson on 03 9655 2112

Flyer 2014 WEAAD Forum

Forum information on WEAAD Victoria website

For more information about 2014 WEAAD events visit the WEAAD Victoria website