An older person is defined as someone aged 65 years and above or 55 years and above for those in Aboriginal communities. Any act which causes harm to an older person is considered elder abuse. It is primarily a form of family violence as often the person who carries out the act is someone the older person knows or trusts, for example a family member or friend. However, the abuse can also come from a stranger.

Elder abuse is often hidden or the older person may be reluctant to disclose the abuse they suffer due to being dependent on, ashamed of, or trying to protect their abusive partner or family member. This increases their vulnerability to ongoing abuse. Elder abuse can present in the form of financial, psychological, emotional, physical, sexual or neglect. The current pandemic has likely resulted in further risks of elder abuse and isolation.  

Elder abuse is everyone’s business. It can happen to any older person regardless of who they are or where they live. A person’s rights do not change as they become older and everyone has the right to feel safe and age with preserved dignity. The Central Highlands Elder Abuse Prevention Network (CHEAPN) aims to reduce the incidence of elder abuse in our region.

Any abuse of an older person should be reported. Warning signs or red flags can include an older person seeming anxious, fearful, isolated or there may be injuries seen or signs of absence or poor personal care.

Other features may include:

• Feeling you have little control over your life
• Your wishes being ignored or not respected
• Feeling afraid to tell others what you want
• Being forced to change your Will or sign a power of attorney
• Loss of money, items of value or property
• Feeling isolated or neglected; someone keeping your family or friends away
• Being denied of access to services or supports by someone intentionally

As members of our community, it is important to watch for signs, be available and willing to listen (without judgments) and offer help. An older person may also choose to see a doctor, nurse or social worker for further guidance.

According to Victoria Police guide, a service provider can ask your local police to conduct a ‘welfare check’ if:

• the older person has not been seen for some time and this is out of character
• services, family or neighbors have been unable to contact the older person
• known risk factors for the older person require contact be made with them

Resources for you or someone you know who is experiencing elder abuse

Victoria Police

• In an emergency call 000
• Visit the local police station or contact the local police station police.vic.gov.au/elder-abuse

Senior Rights Victoria

• Provides information, support, advice and education to safeguard rights of older people and prevent elder abuse.
• For help with elder abuse, their free hotline 1300 368 821
• https://seniorsrights.org.au/

Compass Guiding and Better Place Australia

• Provides family dispute resolution support, psychological services, financial counseling and relationship support.
• Compass Guiding - 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)
• Services are also provided via the Residential Aged Care Facilities and the Respecting Elders Elder Abuse services (contact: 1800 214 117 or email respectingelders@betterplace.com.au).
• Better Place Australia – contact: 1800 639 523 or on website: https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/elder-abuse-prevention-services/

1800 RESPECT

• National family and domestic violence and sexual assault counseling service.
• Contact: 1800 737 732

1800 RESPECT – Support resources

• Support a family member or friend experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault (to help recognize signs of abuse and how best to support someone)
• 1800respect.org.au/support

Relationships Victoria

• Ballarat: 5337 9222
• Hotline: 1300 364 277