Western Australians are being urged to ‘Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse’ on 15 June 2023 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch MLA announced 9 May 2023, the recipients of regional grant funding to host WEAAD activities which raise awareness of elder abuse in Western Australia’s regional areas.
Regional local governments and registered not-for-profit organisations around WA were invited to apply for grants to hold events and activities during the week of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Metropolitan based organisations were also eligible to apply to run in-person activities in regional areas.
A total of 22 organisations across nine regional areas will receive up to $3,000 each. Events planned include information workshops, education seminars, morning teas and art projects to support local people to work together to identify and respond to elder abuse in their local community.
The grants program is being funded by the Department of Communities and managed by the Council on the Ageing WA.
WEAAD has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2011 and provides an opportunity for people around the world to unite in voicing opposition to elder abuse and the suffering it inflicts upon older people.
This year, the tagline ‘Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse’ encourages the Western Australian community to find out more about elder abuse, recognise the signs, access support and take action in their own lives and communities to stop it from happening.
For more information about WEAAD events around WA, go to: World Elder Abuse Day Events 2023: WEAAD EVENTS
Media Statement The Hon Don Punch MLA: Full Media Statement 9May 2023
About WEAAD
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is an annual event commemorated on 15 June each year and is officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly.
- On this day people are encouraged to make a united stand against all forms of abuse against older people in our global communities.
- Purple is the symbolic colour of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
- During the week of WEAAD from 11 to 17 June 2023, COTA (WA) encourages all Western Australians to get involved in raising awareness and learning more about elder abuse in the community.
Did you know?
- Elder abuse causes harm or distress to an older person and is often carried out by someone the older person trusts.
- Elder abuse affects many older Western Australians and may involve financial, social, physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse.
- Elder Abuse affects Western Australians of all backgrounds, with devastating effects on victims, their families and communities.
- For more information about Elder Abuse support services, visit Elder abuse support services and resources (www.wa.gov.au)
If reading any of this content is distressing, please contact the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679. This program is funded by the Department of Communities and delivered by Advocare.
For More Information
Dana Moore, Executive Assistant to CEO, Council on the Ageing (WA) Inc.
COTA (WA)
T: 08 9472 0104
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