- Today marks the 10th anniversary of the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service, managed by WA seniors peak body Advocare
- Service provides free confidential information, support, advice and specialised advocacy on elder abuse
- $1.15 million funding contributed to the program by State Government
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service, a free call number for people at risk of, or experiencing, elder abuse in Western Australia.
Established in 2014, the WA Helpline provides free confidential information, support, advice and specialised advocacy on elder abuse.
Importantly, it acts as a State-wide referral service to connect callers with the support services most appropriate for their circumstances, such as Elder Rights WA, the Older People's Rights Service, or State Government agencies such as the Office of the Public Advocate.
The telephone service is often the first contact an older person experiencing elder abuse will have when seeking information and support.
There has been a significant increase in the numbers of older people calling the Helpline for support since the service commenced a decade ago. More than 7,300 calls to the service have been logged since September 2014.
The State Government has contributed more than $1.15 million in funding through the Department of Communities to this vital resource, which is managed by Western Australia's seniors' peak body Advocare.
The role of the WA Helpline forms part of the Cook Government's 10-year plan that aims to prevent and respond to elder abuse throughout the State, the WA Strategy to Respond to the Abuse of Older People (Elder Abuse).
More information about elder abuse can be found here: Elder Abuse and the Mistreatment of Older People (www.wa.gov.au)
Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"Sadly, elder abuse is a significant and growing issue in our ageing community. It is a complex social, health and human rights issue experienced and carried out by people of all backgrounds.
"The WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service is often the first contact an older person experiencing elder abuse will have when seeking information and support.
"I would urge anyone who at risk of, or experiencing, elder abuse in Western Australia to call the Helpline on 1300 724 679."
