The Attorney-General’s Department has launched a national elder abuse awareness campaign to coincide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June).
The campaign includes a support hotline, 1800ELDERHelp and an elder abuse knowledge hub, Compass.info.
Attorney-General, Michaelia Cash said while it was known that elder abuse occurred, many people were afraid to report it, were not aware of it, or could not identify it.
“We want older Australians to know there is help available; you have the right to live free from elder abuse,” Senator Cash said.
She said a range of front-line service providers across all States and Territories were funded to combat elder abuse.
These included specialist elder abuse units, where lawyers, social workers and other specialist support staff worked side-by-side with clients to develop a case plan to respond to the individual’s needs.
Also supported were case management and mediation services and health-justice partnership services.
“The Government also funds the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) to provide free, confidential and independent advocacy support to older people and their representatives receiving, or seeking to receive, Government-funded aged care services,” Senator Cash said.
“OPAN launched a new online training package for health and allied health professionals on 9 June as part of a new approach to preventing the abuse of older Australians.”
A short video from the Attorney-General’s Department about elder abuse can be viewed at this PS News link and further information from the Department can be found at this link. Find Compass.info at this link.
