As the coronavirus pandemic continues to disproportionately affect more vulnerable demographics, the Government is calling on Victorians to play their part in preventing elder abuse.
Monday June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This family violence campaign focuses on the prevention of elder abuse - any act occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which results in harm to an older person.
Elder abuse can be financial, physical, emotional, psychological, social or sexual. The campaign highlights the warning signs and encourages neighbours, family, friends, carers and the wider community to take action when it is safe to do so.
The pandemic has led to an increase in physical and social isolation for many older Victorians. Others have had to move back in with family members, or had to support adult children financially or emotionally.
Over 90 per cent of perpetrators of elder abuse in Victoria are related to the older person - a child, grandchild, sibling, partner or other relative. Elder abuse is also gendered, with older women reporting abuse at a far higher rate than men.
Discrimination based on age has no place in our society. By taking notice of what is happening in your family, neighbourhood or community, you can prevent or intervene to stop elder abuse.
The Victorian Government is working to prevent elder abuse in all its forms to raise awareness of elder abuse and respond to any suspected cases.
Elder abuse is often hidden behind closed doors and we want to remind all Victorians that identifying and stopping elder abuse is everybody's business.
