Every year, 15 June marks the United Nations internationally-recognised World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Elder abuse is estimated to affect 1 in 6 older Australians*, making it a common and pressing social issue in our community.
Elder abuse can take various forms, ranging from physical and sexual assault, to neglect, psychological and financial mistreatment.
Advocare is proud to be at the forefront of raising public awareness about this day and encourages organisations and individuals to become engaged in helping to prevent elder abuse. Join us in spreading the word to let others know that you, and your organisation, stand against elder abuse.
This year’s shared theme in WA is ‘Wise Up, Rise Up against elder abuse.’
Advocare’s specific focus in 2024 is to reach out to important first responders, frontline staff, volunteers and community groups who encounter older people in their day-to-day working lives. Our goal is to raise greater awareness of what elder abuse is amongst these workers, how to recognise the signs and increase their confidence to take action and support older people in our community.
WEAAD activities in Perth and our Regions
Advocare’s team will be out and about across WA delivering education and awareness events, ranging from large, multi-agency events to smaller, more intimate settings at local libraries, community resource centres and seniors centres. Visit our Community Event Listing page for details.
Free Advocare event in Perth metro
If you’re a frontline worker join us to learn more at our in-person event ‘Standing Strong, Speaking Out Elder Abuse Forum’ in Bentley on Wednesday 12 June. Find out more and register at Eventbrite by 7 June.
Other activities and learning opportunities to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024 around WA can also be found on the Department of Communities website.
Free resources:
Booklet – Standing strong and speaking out: Identifying the signs of elder abuse’
A3 poster – ‘Help Stop Elder Abuse’
*Statistics reference: Australian Institute of Family Studies