Local MP Robyn Clarke says the state government's investment into an elder abuse prevention strategy will help to protect our older generation.
The state government recently released Western Australia's first long-term strategy to combat elder abuse, outlining a series of support, education and awareness measures to combat the growing issue.
The Mandurah Mail reported in June that our most-vulnerable residents were being exploited, with an expert in the field stating elder abuse had "crept under the radar" for too long.
Elder abuse involves the abuse of an older person by someone in a relationship of trust, often a family member, and most commonly involves financial, psychological or social abuse.
The initial $500,000 investment by the state government will have an early focus on programs and initiatives including:
- Five-year funding certainty for Advocare to continue to deliver the WA Elder Abuse Hotline.
- Educating professionals on how to detect suspected abuse.
- Developing education materials.
- Launching a public advertising campaign.
- Expanding public forums and regional roadshows.
- Carrying out more research.
Ms Clarke said elder abuse was believed to impact between 7000 and 49,000 people across WA.
"I have heard from many residents in Murray-Wellington who have raised their concerns about elder abuse with me," she said.
"This strategy provides a clear plan to combat Elder Abuse.
"Elder abuse is both under-reported and misunderstood - the first step of the strategy is to education seniors about what constitutes abuse and how to report it."
Contact The Relationships Australia program on 6164 0173 or email peelsrs@relationshipswa.org.au or the Elder Abuse helpline on 1300 724 679.