Elder abuse affects many older Western Australians, and may involve social, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse.
The Department of Communities is working to reduce elder abuse in Western Australia through the development and implementation of an elder abuse strategy and the provision of resources designed to support individuals and service providers.
Which support services can you turn to?
If you feel that you are being exploited or abused, you can take action through these support services:
WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service
Call the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679.
Seniors Peak Body WA
Advocare is WA's Peak Body for Seniors, ensuring older people are supported, connected and heard. The Seniors Peak Body provides support and information on the rights of older people, accessing services, elder abuse and overcoming social isolation. Phone: 1800 655 566 (freecall).
Legal advice, assistance, representation, and advocacy
Elder Rights WA (ERWA) provides seniors with legal advice, assistance, and representation where appropriate for certain legal matters. Social Workers are also available to support in dealing with social, physical and mental challenges which may impact their legal concerns. This service is provided by Legal Aid WA. Phone: 1300 650 579.
Older People’s Rights Service - Encompass Legal and Community Services offers legal advice, advocacy, peer education sessions and social support to those at risk of or experiencing elder abuse, with a focus on positive ageing. Encompass Legal and Community Services Inc. (formerly Northern Suburbs Community Legal Service) provides this service. Phone: (08) 9440 1663.
Office of the Public Advocate works to promote and protect the human rights of Western Australian adults with decision-making disabilities. The Office can provide information about Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship. Phone: 1300 858 455.
The Public Trustee offers independent trustee and asset management services. These include Will and Enduring Power of Attorney drafting, deceased estate administration, executor support, financial administration and trust management services. Phone:1300 746 212.
Elder abuse awareness brochure
Information about elder abuse, including where to go for help. Download the brochure below.
Elder abuse awareness posters
Download our suite of 'Stop elder abuse' posters.
These posters are also available in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Italian and Vietnamese.
Elder abuse awareness postcards
Download our suite of 'Stop elder abuse' postcards.
At Home Guide
COTA WA’s At Home Guide supports older Western Australians to live well. Developed in partnership with the Department of Communities, the guide is designed as an ongoing companion for seniors at home.
Access the At Home Guide on COTA WA’s website.
Understanding the Mistreatment of Older People Guide
COTA WA’s Understanding the Mistreatment of Older People Guide draws together in one easily accessible resource, all the help you will need in identifying different kinds of abuse, common reasons for its occurrence and how victims and potential victims and their families may help to prevent it. It also includes comprehensive details of where to go for help and support, depending on the circumstances of the mistreatment.
Download the Guide Translated to Simplified Chinese + Vietnamese + Polish + Italian (PDF)
The mistreatment of older Aboriginal people
Research into the mistreatment of older Aboriginal Australians - 2022 report
Let’s Make It Legal Guide
COTA WA’s Let’s Make It Legal Guide, could support with renting a house or apartment; your rights in dealing with a dispute in a retirement village; making sure a will is valid or not open to interpretation or making sure that your end-of-life-wishes are readily available should you become incapable of communicating them if required.
Best practice guidelines for interviewing older people at risk
These guidelines were funded by the Department of Communities and developed with reference to relevant literature and informed by the extensive professional experience of legal practitioners and client advocates working at the Older People’s Rights Service at Encompass Legal and Community Services Inc. (formerly Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre) in Perth, Western Australia. Researchers from the ECU Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab conducted focus groups and interviews with Western Australian professionals from relevant sectors.
This process was guided by an advisory group comprising representatives of the following organisations: Advocare, Council on the Ageing WA (COTA WA), Encompass Legal and Community Services Inc., Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing, Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, the Department of Communities and WA Police Force.
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