Victoria Police has become the first force in Australia to partner with the aged care sector in an innovative new effort to stop the abuse of older people.
The effort has seen specialist police from Victoria Police's Priority and Safer Communities Division, Family Violence Command and regional operations team up with the sector to visit aged care facilities across the state and ensure workers know the signs of abuse and how to report it.
The visits include presentations with police and the sector - including Elder Rights Advocacy - to educate workers and the broader community on the forms of abuse and what it involves as well as providing advice on how to seek help if workers witness or suspect offending is occurring.
It also includes information on victim support services, as well as access to counselling, legal and financial support.
Police see firsthand the impact of older members of the community being abused each year with the crime ranging from physical and sexual assault to serious neglect and mistreatment.
While police continue to respond to increasing rates of abuse of older people, it remains underreported.
Victoria Police believes the visits to aged care facilities are crucial in raising awareness about the problem and encouraging aged care workers to speak up and make a report so any suspected behaviour can be investigated.
As part of the effort, the force is also working with the Commonwealth Government's Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on raising awareness of reporting requirements under the Serious Incident Response Scheme, elder abuse and other forms of abuse of older people.
Police are committed to responding to all types of abuse of older people, supporting victims and holding perpetrators to account.
If you or an older person close to you discloses they are a victim of abuse, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a support service.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can't get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
In non-urgent cases if you know or suspect an older person is being abused and prefer to make an anonymous report, you can do so online via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.
There are many support services available. Victorians can contact Seniors' Rights Victoria on the organisation's free confidential helpline: 1300 368 821 or visit seniorsrights.org.au for further advice.
Quotes attributable to Priority and Safer Communities Division Commander Jo Stafford:
"Any form of abuse against an older person is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"This partnership with the aged care sector to hold these visits is a crucial new way to ensure workers recognise the signs of abuse and have the confidence to speak up about any concerns.
"We are proud to be the first police jurisdiction to partner with the aged care sector and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of victims."
Quotes attributable to Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway:
"Police see first-hand the harm caused by abuse perpetrated against older people.
"While the crime is on the rise, we know it still remains underreported - so these visits are important to encourage workers to make a report to police if they witness or suspect an older person is being abused.
"The more we know, the more we can help put an end to the abuse of older people, hold perpetrators to account and keep victims safe."
