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, 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.
Elder abuse is usually intentional. Most often the abuse is carried out by someone known to the older person. In many cases, the person responsible is a family member, relative or friend. 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.
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.
Connecting with a local community group or organisation can improve your mental and physical health. Many offer ways to stay connected via online platforms, so even if you can’t physically get to a group activity or meeting you can still connect to them online.
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.
