- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day recognised on 15 June
- Opportunity to unite in voicing opposition to elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people
- Research shows one in six Australians aged 65 years and over who live in the general community have experienced elder abuse
Western Australians are urged to 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse' in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Every year on 15 June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognised in Australia and around the world as an opportunity for people to unite in voicing opposition to elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people and the suffering it inflicts on victims.
Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that one in six Australians aged 65 years and over who live in the general community have experienced elder abuse.
The theme 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse' focuses on how the community can find out more about elder abuse, recognise the signs, and where to access support and how to take action in their own lives and communities to prevent it from happening.
This year, 41 buildings and landmarks across WA will be lit up in the colour purple, the symbolic colour of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, including the Bell Tower, Elizabeth Quay, Matagarup Bridge, Karratha Red Earth Arts Precinct and the Kununurra Magistrates Court.
Additionally, a section of the Purple Road community artwork installation will be displayed at Parliament House for the Day.
The Purple Road is a collaborative initiative developed by the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre's Older People's Rights Service, funded by the State Government with thousands of hand-crafted purple flowers each representing an older person's unique story. The community artwork has recently marked a significant milestone, reaching 100 metres.
The Cook Government has provided funding of up to $5,000 for regional local governments and registered not-for-profit organisations around the State to hold initiatives during the week.
For more information about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day events around WA and the complete list of landmarks lit up in purple go to www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-events
If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse, please contact the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679.
As stated by Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk:
"Elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people is a complex issue experienced and carried out by people of all backgrounds.
"We can all 'wise up' by finding out more about elder abuse, how to recognise the signs, and where to access support.
"I encourage all Western Australians to get involved and 'Wise Up, Rise Up against Elder Abuse' in the community."
