Western Australians to 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse'

Buildings and landmarks across Western Australia will be lit up in purple tonight and the community is urged to 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse' in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
  • Buildings and landmarks will be lit up in purple across WA tonight for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
  • Research shows that 15 per cent of older Australians have experienced elder abuse
  • The Cook Government is committed to the prevention of elder abuse

Buildings and landmarks across Western Australia will be lit up in purple tonight and the community is urged to 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse' in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

WEAAD has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2011 and provides an opportunity for people around the world to unite in voicing opposition to elder abuse and the suffering it inflicts upon victims.

Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that 15 per cent of Australians aged 65 years and over who live in the general community, excluding aged care settings, have experienced elder abuse.

This year, the theme 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse' focuses on how the community can 'wise up' (or find out more about elder abuse, recognise the signs, and where to access support), 'rise up' (take action in their own lives and communities to stop it from happening) and to support older Western Australians.

For the first time, the State Government has up to $3000 of funding available for regional local governments and registered not-for-profit organisations around WA to hold initiatives during the week of WEAAD.

Metropolitan based organisations were also invited to run in person WEAAD activities in regional areas.

Events planned include information workshops, education seminars, morning teas and art projects to support local people to work together to identify and respond to elder abuse in their local community.

The grants program is being funded by the Department of Communities and managed by the Council on the Ageing WA.

Buildings and landmarks across the State will be lit up in the colour purple, the symbolic colour of WEAAD. These will include theBell Tower, Parliament House, Elizabeth Quay, Council House, Trafalgar Bridge, Matagarup Bridge, Wentworth Building at Bankwest Place, Raine Square, Joondalup Drive Bridge, Mount Street Bridge, Northbridge Tunnel, Sky Ribbon and Fremantle Prison.

For more information about WEAAD events around WA, go to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - events (www.wa.gov.au)

If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse, please contact the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679. This program is funded by the Department of Communities and delivered by Advocare.

Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:

"Elder abuse is a significant issue in our community. Momentum is growing for action at a local, national and international level.

"It is a complex social, health and human rights issue experienced and carried out by people of all backgrounds.

"I encourage all Western Australians to get involved and 'Wise Up, Rise Up against Elder Abuse' in the community.  

"We can all 'wise up' by finding out more about elder abuse, how to recognise the signs, and where to access support.

"We can all also 'rise up' by taking the time to listen to older people in our lives about what is important to them, if they feel safe and valued, and take action in to support older Western Australians."