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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is commemorated on 15 June each year. On this day, Western Australians are encouraged to Wise Up and Rise Up against all forms of abuse and mistreatment against older people in our community.
The tagline ‘Wise Up, Rise Up against Elder Abuse’ focuses on how everyone in the community can both Wise up (by finding out more about elder abuse, recognising the signs and where to access support) and Rise up by acting individually and in communities to stop the abuse and mistreatment of older people from happening and to support older Western Australians.
Elder abuse is a complex issue and for many older people, understanding that what they are experiencing is abuse is the first step to confronting the issue.
An older person or a person causing the harm may not identify what’s happening as abuse.
Many people are surprised to learn that abuse and mistreatment is not just physical abuse but also sexual, psychological or emotional (often resulting in feelings of fear and helplessness), financial, cultural or spiritual abuse or neglect. This could include threats that cause fear of violence, isolation or powerlessness or using money or property without permission or repeatedly asking for loans.
Older people may also cover up the signs of abuse and mistreatment due to fear of what may happen if anyone finds out or they might be unaware that the actions of the person causing harm are a form of abuse and mistreatment. Elder abuse is often largely hidden and unreported.
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse you can contact the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679.
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Department of Communities is encouraging all Western Australians to get involved in raising awareness and learning more about elder abuse in the community.
To find out more about events planned to raise awareness of elder abuse in June and July 2026 and the range of support services available visit Elder Abuse and the Mistreatment of Older People and Seniors grants and funding. For more information about elder abuse and mistreatment and support available visit Elder abuse support services and resources.
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