Seniors Rights Victoria only has capacity to respond to calls from older people experiencing or at risk of elder abuse. If your matter is an emergency, please call 000. If you are a concerned friend or family member, please encourage the older person to call us or click here for access to information and resources.
Elder abuse comes in many forms. It can be financial, emotional or psychological, physical, sexual, mistreatment or neglect. Elder abuse can occur once, or many times. It can include one or a combination of the different types of abuse.
Most often, elder abuse is carried out by someone known to the older person, with two thirds of abusers being an adult child. Abusers can also be other family members, relatives or friends. Elder abuse affects people of all genders and all walks of life. The abuse, however, disproportionately affects 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. Many forms of elder abuse can be criminal acts.
Seniors Rights Victoria provides 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.
Seniors Rights Victoria develops various tip sheets on a multitude of subjects related to elder abuse.
If you are in Victoria and are experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, help is available through our confidential helpline on 1300 368 821.
If you are a concerned friend or family member, please encourage the older person to call us or you can access information and resources here. You can also find a lawyer via the Law Institute of Victoria website.
If it is an emergency, call 000.
