Free morning tea to raise awareness of elder abuse

Published on 05 June 2024

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Corangamite Shire Council’s Positive Ageing and Inclusion Team is inviting residents to a free morning tea with talks from two guest speakers.

Mayor Kate Makin said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was on 15 June every year.

“It is an opportunity for communities to stand together against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people,” Cr Makin said.

“Sadly, elder abuse is more common than we might think with 160,000 cases in Victoria each year.

“It can be financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, social or a combination.

“Most often it is perpetrated in secret by family members, relatives, or friends.

“It affects people of all genders and all walks of life but two-thirds of Victorians who seek help are women.

“Older people in rural and regional communities are additionally vulnerable.”

The morning tea will have two presentations:

  • ‘Scams and cyber safety’ with NBN Community Engagement Specialist South Western Victoria Janeen Stewart
  • ‘Future planning’ with Justice Connect Legal Education Project Officer Deb Porter

    Janeen will give handy and easy to understand tips to stay safe in the technology space, to minimise the risk of being caught out by scammers. 

    “With the growth of online technology, having confidence to embrace the changes is important,” she said.

    “Digital literacy—in other words, knowing how to maximise the online world to suit your needs and lifestyle—is important.”

    Janeen will also highlight what the internet is and how to safely connect to it.

    Deb said legal need among older people was rising issue across the community.

    “The National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study found 14.8% of people over 65 experience elder abuse,” she said.

    “At Justice Connect, one way we work to reduce the rates of elder abuse is through early prevention and planning.

    “Planning ahead for older age can be hard, but it is an important and empowering process.

    “Join us to learn about Justice Connect's free Conversation Guide, to help you plan for an older age that's right for you.

    Our workshops can help you get thinking, and start making plans about:

    Justice Connect is a community legal centre that designs and delivers high impact interventions that increase access to legal support and progress social justice.

    When: Friday 14 June, 10.30 am-12.30 pm
    Where: Killara Centre, Camperdown

    Bookings are essential for catering. Please call Council on 5593 7100.

    If you are experiencing elder abuse and want to know what options are available, contact:

  • Seniors Rights Victoria
    1300 368 821
    https://seniorsrights.org.au/
  • Australian Human Rights Commission
    1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)
    seniorsrights.org.au.
  • If it is an emergency, call 000.
  • Who you trust to make decisions on your behalf
  • Who you trust to take care of your money
  • What medical treatments you want or don't want
  • Where you would like to live.