World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
“Older people are essential in the fabric of our society. We learn from our Elders. They are the custodians of our history and at every stage have stories to tell and contributions to make – in our lives and their own”, says Bill Appleby, Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne’s Jewish Care.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is a United Nations endorsed day which seeks to bring to societies’ attention the issue of ageism and inequality that is Elder abuse.
Elder abuse is defined as, “any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.”
The World Health Organisation estimates indicate that Elder abuse impacts around 16% of people over the age of 60. This is a global issue of ageism and it hides in plain sight, impacting millions of older people and occurs all too frequently, including here at home in the Victorian community.
Jewish Care joins the global movement to raise awareness and support Elders and witnesses alike to bring forward concerns and to get support to remove the harm Elder abuse causes.
Jewish Care’s Front Door (03 8517 5999) is available to all members of our community to seek support in relation to issues of Elder abuse.
In addition, Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support, advice and education to help prevent Elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people. Visit their website www.seniorsrights.org.au or contact their free, confidential Helpline on 1300 368 821.
The Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) together with Older Persons Advocacy Network are hosting a free on-line forum to observe WEEAD on Thursday 17 June 2021. The theme this year is ‘Elder abuse prevention – let’s talk’ and it will focus on building a community that supports older people to retain control of their lives and maintain their independence.
To register for the free forum, visit http://www.sa.agedrights.asn.au/events/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/weaad-conference
Join Jewish Care in raising awareness to prevent Elder Abuse on 15 June 2021.
