MEALS on Wheels workers, local chemists and seniors clubs will be asked to join the grassroots fight against elder abuse as part of the Victorian government's plan to overhaul the state's family violence system.
Council home carers, community organisations and health centres, men’s sheds and health workers will be among the participants of a program to mobilise the power of locals to help older victims, deter perpetrators and identify the signs of abuse.
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Fiona Richardson, has announced an immediate investment of $200,000 in 12 months’ startup funding to help more local service providers and community groups prevent elder abuse.
The program will roll out in five communities in Melbourne, and regional and rural Victoria with the support of Seniors Rights Victoria.
The program will also begin establishing links between different local groups so the whole community can help reduce elder abuse by learning how to refer victims so they can get the help they need.
Up to one in 20 older Victorians might be a victim of family violence – not just physical, but often in the form of financial exploitation or psychological and emotional abuse at the hands of their children.
The new funding comes on top of $1 million provided in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 to help prevent elder abuse.
“Our older Victorians can feel too afraid and powerless to get help, especially if their abuser is their child and they feel a sense of parental obligation and love,’’ said Ms Richardson
“We want to take prevention to where older Victorians meet and to the people who interact with them the most. We want them to know they will be supported and understood, and that help is at hand.’’
