Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV), COTA Victoria, and Safe and Equal have launched a new partnership to build the capacity of The Orange Door and specialist family violence sector across Victoria in recognising and responding to elder abuse.
Supported by funding from the Victorian Government's Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, the organisations will deliver the Elder Abuse Capability Development Program over a two-year collaboration.
Announced today by the Honourable Ingrid Stitt MP, Victorian Minister for Ageing, this initiative will equip staff with the skills and knowledge needed to take action against elder abuse.
Forming the core of the partnership, Seniors Rights Victoria and Safe and Equal will use their subject matter expertise in elder abuse and family violence prevention and intervention to develop and deliver tailored training and resources to approximately 1,400 employees of The Orange Door, alongside specialist family violence case managers.
"Safe and Equal is proud to be part of this vital initiative. Older people experiencing family violence often face unique barriers in accessing safety and support and it's critical that our frontline workforce is equipped with the skills and confidence to address these complexities," said Safe and Equal CEO Tania Farha.
"This partnership reflects our commitment to an inclusive family violence support system that ensures all victim survivors – regardless of their age or stage in life – can access the tailored support they need, when they need it."
The most recent study of elder abuse prevalence in Australia has found that 1 in 6 Australians aged 65 years and over had experienced at least one recognised form of elder abuse over the previous 12 months.
"This program will be a key part in ensuring that the family violence system can meet the needs of elder abuse victim survivors," said CEO of Seniors Rights Victoria and COTA Victoria, Ben Rogers.
"Elder abuse is a unique, often overlooked form of family violence, and it's crucial that we provide those working in the sector with the tools required to intervene or prevent it from occurring."
Minister Stitt's announcement of this partnership was part of the launch of Seniors Rights Victoria's Beyond Age project, which seeks to challenge ageism – one of the key drivers of elder abuse.
"We're extremely excited to partner with Safe and Equal and pool our expertise to provide better outcomes for specialists and the older Victorians they support, and to have it announced as we gather to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025," Mr Rogers continued.
If you are in Victoria and experiencing elder abuse, help is available through Seniors Rights Victoria's confidential helpline on 1300 368 821. Its website, seniorsrights.org.au, also features resources for concerned friends or family members.
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