Elder abuse affects many older Western Australians and may involve financial, social, physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse.
On 18 November 2019, Communities released Western Australia’s first ever strategy into elder abuse: The WA Strategy to Respond to the Abuse of Older People (Elder Abuse). This 10-year strategy is a blueprint for the priorities, actions and outcomes required to effectively prevent and respond to the abuse of older people.
The Elder Abuse Strategy includes four priority areas: raising awareness and early identification; prevention and early intervention; integrated and coordinated response; and data and evidence.
All Western Australians have a role to play in preventing the abuse of older people, so we encourage you to get involved. Start by being fully informed: download the Elder Abuse Strategy below. Together, we can stop elder abuse!
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated on 15 June each year. On this day people are encouraged to make a united stand against all forms of abuse against older people in our global communities.
In addition to our commitment to reduce elder abuse in Western Australia through the Elder Abuse Strategy, Communities works in partnership with key stakeholders each year to recognise and promote WEAAD as well as encouraging people to wear purple (the symbolic colour of WEAAD) to show their support.
During the week of WEAAD from 11-17 June 2023, Communities encourages all Western Australians to get involved in raising awareness and learning more about elder abuse in the community.
WEAAD Tagline
Wise Up, Rise Up against Elder Abuse
The WEAAD tagline centres on how everyone in the community can:
- wise up - find out more about elder abuse, recognise the signs, and where to access support.
- rise up take action individually and in communities to stop Elder Abuse from happening Support older Western Australians.
The tagline was developed in collaboration with sector stakeholders.
Register your event
Register your 2023 WEAAD event and check out registered events on our Events page
Resources
Resources to recognise WEAAD and promote your activity. Access the Resources here
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Regional Grants program
Show more- Status: Closed
Metropolitan based organisations with expertise in Elder Abuse can also apply for funding to deliver in person activities in regional areas.
The grants program is an opportunity to increase awareness of elder abuse in regional communities and for the broader community to participate in awareness raising activities.
The WEAAD Regional Grants Program is coordinated by the Council on the Ageing (WA) in partnership with the Department of Communities. To find out more, visit the COTAWA webpage.
Seniors Information Day at Kingsway City Shopping Centre
Show moreTime: Thursday, 1 June 2023, 9am – 4pm
Location: 168-182 Wanneroo Road, Madeley
Ticket cost: Free
The Seniors Information Day is a collaborative event by the Department of Communities, Bankwest, Council on the Ageing WA, Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre, Elder Rights WA delivered by Legal Aid WA, Advocare, City of Wanneroo and Kingsway City Shopping Centre to recognise and promote World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Come down to access a range of information to help you and your loved ones live their best life as they age.
Short presentations will be held on the hour from 10am – 3pm on a range of topics including:
| 10.00am | Bankwest: Safe & Savvy – helping older people avoid abuse, scams and fraud (Auslan Interpreted) |
|---|---|
| 11.00am | Council on the Ageing WA: Seniors guides for Ageing Well (Auslan Interpreted) |
| 12.00pm | Advocare: Protecting yourself and your future from abuse |
| 1.00pm | Northern Suburbs Community Legal: Enduring Power of Attorney in a nutshell |
| 2.00pm | Elder Rights WA delivered by Legal Aid WA: Granny Flat Agreements and Living with Family |
| 3.00pm | City of Wanneroo: Connecting to community: Programs, activities and services for older people living in the City of Wanneroo |
A lawyer from Elder Rights WA will be available to answer brief questions on certain legal topics. However, if legal advice is required on particular matters, an appointment may be offered to see an Elder Rights WA lawyer at a later date.
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 against older people in our community.
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.
The Purple Road Project
Show moreThe Purple Road Project shines a light on deeply personal and collective experiences of elder abuse in WA.
Please see the Purple Road Project for more information.
