The findings come as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15 – unites the world in opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people.
Further findings from the 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey, estimated that 17,300 women aged 55 years and over, had experienced sexual violence in the last two years and 4,284 had experienced partner violence over the same period.
As such, the Federal Government has allocated $940,000 to develop materials for in-home support workers that will be aimed at helping them better identify and intervene to support older people who are experiencing family, domestic or sexual violence in their homes.
The initiative is funded under the First Action Plan Priorities fund, announced as part of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, and will run through to 2025-26.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth highlighted the importance of connecting older Australians with the services they needed.
“Intimate partner violence, economic abuse or control perpetrated by an adult child or another family member are types of gender-based violence,” she said.
“Our goal is to ensure support workers are well equipped to provide high quality support to older Australians.”
The materials to be developed include learning modules accessible both online and offline to ensure in-home support workers in low or non-connectivity areas across Australia, have access to the same materials.
The modules will provide information on what constitutes abuse, how to respond and where to refer people for support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
If concerned about your own behaviour, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter on 13 92 76 (available 24 hours a day).
