Seniors Rights Victoria celebrates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 with three major events

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) and COTA Victoria will celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2023 with three major events taking place in Melbourne and Shepparton, Victoria.

First, 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. The campaign raises awareness of available community resources and supports for older Victorians as we enter a tough winter period. Further details of the initiative will be announced soon; a sneak peak is already available at the Older, Not Alone website.

For more information about WEAAD, visit elderabuseawarenessday.org.au. We encourage the use of hashtags #WEAAD, #WEAAD2023 and #StirACuppa to help raise awareness of this important initiative.

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.

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Further Information

Steve Wright
Marketing and Communications Manager
Seniors Rights Victoria & COTA Victoria
Telephone: 03 9655 2159
Email: SWright@cotavic.org.au

About us

Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is a program of COTA Victoria and the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community.

SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person. Visit the Seniors Rights Victoria website.

COTA Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For over 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.

Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals. Visit the COTA Victoria website.