The abuse and mistreatment of older people affects many Western Australians, and may involve physical, sexual, psychological or emotional, financial, neglect and cultural and spiritual abuse.
The Department of Communities is working to respond to and reduce this abuse and mistreatment in Western Australia through the development and implementation of the WA Strategy to Respond to Abuse of Older People (Elder Abuse) 2019–2029 and the provision of resources designed to support individuals and service providers. The Strategy is aligned to the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People.
Which support services can you turn to?
If you feel that you are being harmed, 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.
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 abuse and mistreatment, 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.
If you are experiencing family and domestic violence, visit the Department of Communities Family and Domestic Violence helplines and support services page for information about available supports. In an emergency call 000.
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.
The Equal Opportunity Commission promotes equality of opportunity in Western Australia and works to address unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, including on the grounds of age. A person who believes they have been discriminated against because of their age can lodge a complaint.
Abuse and mistreatment awareness brochure
Information about elder abuse, including where to go for help. Download the brochure below.
Abuse and mistreatment awareness posters
Download our suite of 'Stop elder abuse' posters.
These posters are also available in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Italian and Vietnamese.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day information session videos
In 2025, to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), Bankwest, in partnership with Department of Communities, held an information session to help keep Seniors safe online, in their relationships and in the community.
The event was a collaboration presentation by Elder Abuse prevention service providers in Western Australia. The presentations are provided in the video links below. These contain tools to help recognise concerning signs of mistreatment and what support is available.
- Welcome and introduction by Cassie Rowe MLA
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
- How to recognise Elder Abuse and where to seek support
Bianca Marson-Whait, Advocare – Seniors Peak Body for WA
- Safety in relationships and how to be in control of your decisions
Shane Riebeling and Sharon Kellow, Elder Rights WA (Legal Aid)
- The significance of Enduring Power of Attorney and Guardianship
Faith Cheok, Older People’s Rights Service
- Information about the WA Seniors Card discounts, competitions and benefits
Mervyn Teow, WA Seniors Card, Department of Communities
Abuse and mistreatment awareness postcards
Download our suite of 'Stop elder abuse' postcards.
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
The mistreatment of older Aboriginal people
Research into the mistreatment of older Aboriginal Australians - 2022 report
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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