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.
The 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.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Regional Grants program
The WEAAD Regional Grants Program provides grants of up to $3,000 for regional local governments and registered not for profits to hold WEAAD initiatives during the week of WEAAD to raise awareness of elder abuse.
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 and apply, visit the COTAWA webpage.
