The Allan Labor Government is expanding efforts to prevent and respond to elder abuse - ensuring older Victorians are respected, supported and safe.
Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins today announced a $760,000 package to strengthen prevention activities and build workforce capability across the family violence and aged care sectors.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a global opportunity to raise awareness of elder abuse - a serious and often hidden issue affecting older people in our communities.
Research shows that one in six older people may be experiencing elder abuse - but the true number is likely much higher, as it often goes unrecognised or unreported.
This package will invest $600,000 to establish a new Elder Abuse Capability Development program - giving family violence practitioners the tools and training to better identify and respond to elder abuse.
Delivered by Safe and Equal in partnership with Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, the program will include new training modules and resources for specialist family violence services including practitioners working within The Orange Door network.
An additional $160,000 will go to Victoria's eight Elder Abuse Prevention Networks - supporting initiatives across metropolitan and regional communities, with a strong focus on older women who are at greater risk.
The networks - Ballarat Community Health, Barwon Community Legal Service, Better Place Australia, Eastern Community Legal Centre, Merri Health, Mpower Warrnambool and Peninsula Health - lead local efforts to raise awareness and stop abuse before it starts, helping ensure all older Victorians can live safely and with dignity.
This investment supports the delivery of Our Equal State: Victoria's Gender Equality Action Plan 2023-2027, which takes a gendered approach to preventing all forms of family violence, including elder abuse.
It also builds on the Labor Government's $6 million investment over four years in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, to support critical initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing elder abuse.
Confidential help is available via the elder abuse helpline on 1300 368 821, the Victims of Crime Helpline at victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au or for emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
As stated by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
"We're taking action to prevent and respond to elder abuse - with new training for frontline workers and support for local prevention networks, so every older Victorian can live with safety, dignity and respect."
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins
"We have invested more than every other state and territory combined to prevent and respond to family violence, and we are determined to work towards a future where all Victorians, young and old, are safe."
