The Andrews Labor Government today announced $1 million for programs which support elder victims of family violence.
Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians, has also been announced as an ambassador to give elder victims of family violence a voice.
The funding will support programs to raise awareness so older people, their carers and family members are aware of the rights of senior Victorians and how to seek help.
It will also support programs to prevent perpetrators from committing family violence against older Victorians and encourage bystanders to speak out.
The National Ageing Research Institute found that two thirds of elder abuse is perpetrated by a son or daughter.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson
“Older Victorians suffer from high rates of family violence and abuse, yet it’s rarely discussed in public. We need to increase people’s awareness of this problem so senior Victorians are supported and empowered.”
“Elder abuse is a form of family violence that must be addressed as a priority to ensure older individuals are kept safe.”
Quotes that can be attributed to Commissioner for Senior Victorians Gerard Mansour
“One of my priorities as Ambassador will be to work on the prevention of elder abuse, and the best way to do that is to get the issue out in the open, rather than something that is locked up in families.”
“The sad thing is that many elder Victorians suffering abuse do so in silence, or even fail to acknowledge to themselves they are victims.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020