During this year's 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence, the Minns Labor Government is shining a spotlight on the abuse of older women and women with disability.
To equip frontline workers to detect and respond to abuse, the NSW Government has launched a suite of training modules and resources to address domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV).
Evidence from the Ageing and Disability Commission shows almost two-thirds of reports received relate to the abuse of women. Women with disability are significantly more likely to experience violence.
Ageing and Disability Commission data shows a 109 per cent rise in reports of abuse against older people and people with disability, with nearly 19,000 reports received over a five-year period to June 2024.
This year the Minns Labor Government invested an additional $8 million in the Ageing and Disability Commission, lifting the baseline funding to support its vital work to $7.2 million per year.
The new DFSV materials provide frontline workers with free training and resources tailored to older women and women with disability, covering a range of topics:
- identifying signs of abuse, harmful attitudes and behaviours
- tips for documenting DFSV
- safety planning
- supporting victim-survivors to report
- responding to disclosures of abuse and referral pathways.
In a first for NSW, the Ageing and Disability Commission partnered with the NSW Women's Safety Commissioner to develop the resources, consulting older women, women with disability and sector experts.
These are designed to be used by frontline workers, advocates and other support workers in the disability, ageing, and/or DFSV sectors.
Learn more about the DFSV resources on the Ageing and Disability Commission website.
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:
"No-one should be subjected to violence or abuse, especially not older women or women with disability.
"But domestic, family and sexual violence is a horrifying reality for too many older women and women with disability, who face significantly higher rates of abuse.
"The NSW government is committed to addressing this sickening issue. These resources equip frontline workers across the state, with the tools to recognise, refer and respond to this abuse.
"I'm grateful to the Ageing and Disability Commissioner and the Women's Safety Commissioner for collaborating on this important project, empowering communities to help reduce this insidious, un-Australian and often hidden, form of abuse."
Minister for Women, Seniors the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"The abuse of older persons and people with disability is unacceptable.
"Older women are one of the most at-risk groups in NSW - with those over 65 more likely to face homelessness, financial abuse and domestic, family and sexual violence than men in the same age bracket.
"Disturbingly, up to 80 per cent of assaults against older women reported to police each year are committed by someone they know.
"These resources support frontline workers to identify the signs of domestic, family and sexual abuse of older persons and people with disability and provide guidance on how to respond to disclosures.
"The NSW Government is working to reduce and eliminate violence against women, and earlier intervention and primary prevention are key to creating a safer community."
Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball said:
"Frontline workers play a critical role in safeguarding their clients. These new resources give them practical tools and guidance to recognise abuse early and respond effectively, helping to create safer communities for older women and women with disability.
"This is an important collaboration between the Ageing and Disability Commissioner and the Women's Safety Commissioner. Their combined expertise and efforts will help frontline workers make a difference to the lives of older women and women with disability who are at risk of abuse."
Women's Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:
"All women in NSW have the right to safety, dignity and autonomy. While domestic, family and sexual violence can be experienced by anyone, it disproportionately affects certain individuals and groups, including older women and women with disability.
"This new suite of training resources has been developed to address this reality. The resources provide practical guidance about recognising the signs of abuse, safely responding to disclosures, and accessing appropriate reporting and referral pathways. Vitally, these resources are person centred, disability inclusive and trauma informed - they deserve to be widely used across NSW."
Ageing and Disability Commissioner Jeff Smith said:
"Reports received by the ADC consistently show that older women and women with disability face a greater risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. Too often this violence is hidden, dismissed, or misunderstood. Many victim-survivors rely on their abuser for care, and speaking up can mean losing their home, their care, or their family.
"These are not isolated stories; they are patterns we must recognise and address. Frontline workers hold a position of trust and are often the first to notice when something isn't right. Our resources aim to guide frontline workers to spot abuse early, respond safely to disclosures and support women with dignity and respect.
"Together, we can create safer, more inclusive environments and ensure safety, dignity, and choice for all women."
