Empowering older people this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Published June 15 2023

Celebrate the older people in your life! Give them a call or check in and have a cuppa so you can share stories. 

15 June marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which is commemorated each year to highlight inequality in our society.

Elder abuse is anything that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust. It's a global social issue that affects the health, wellbeing, independence and human rights of older people around the world.

We were out and about at Coburg Library chatting to community members on their rights with a quick 2-minute survey to better understand needs of older people and how we can support them. 

If you would like to participate, please complete this short survey here. 

Merri Health is proud to lead The Elder Abuse Prevention Network in the North and West which aims to stop elder abuse through education, resources and campaigns. 

We shared 100 show bags to six of our partners in the Western Network (Genwest, Maribyrnong City Council, Justice Connect. Western Health, MiCare and Vincent Care) full of resources to help empower older people in the community to know their rights. 

Offering the right support to someone experiencing elder abuse can make all the difference.

Together, let’s make sure that our older community are well looked after.

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, please contact Senior's Rights Victoria free confidential helpline on 1300 368 821 10am-5pm Mon - Fri.