Photo of woman in striped purple t-shirt

Follow the Purple Road on June 15

Every year, hundreds of elder abuse stories are symbolically captured through an elder abuse project called the Purple Road.

Published: 29 May 2023
  • wa
  • 29 May 2023
  • WA Governemnt

Judy Joukador, and other formally trained volunteer peer educators, advocate for the protection of older people’s rights through the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre (NSCLC). Through the Purple Road initiative, they explain to seniors what elder abuse is, hear first-hand accounts of elder abuse and provide support. 

The Purple Road grew out of the NSCLC’s Older People Rights Service (OPRS) and Elder Abuse Peer Education Scheme, which are both funded by the Department of Communities. The concept began in 2011 with an idea, a roll of material, some balls of wool and lots of enthusiasm. A decade later, it has become a collaborative artwork measuring over 30 metres and wide-spread community engagement. Various seniors’ community groups in Perth have worked with OPRS over the years to create new sections of the Purple Road.

You can see the Purple Road as it travels around the state at various expos during the year and annually at events for World Elder Abuse Awareness June 15.