Frail senior woman

New campaign on the warning signs of elder abuse

Published: 1 October 2021

A new campaign to raise awareness of elder abuse has been launched by the Australian Human Rights Commission to mark the International Day of Older Persons (1 October 2021).

The video campaign raises awareness among people who interact with older Australians about the warning signs of elder abuse and where to get support.

Thousands of Australians experience elder abuse every year, and sometimes from those closest to them. Calls to the National Elder Abuse phone line increased by 87% between January 2021 to June 2021 compared to the previous six months.

Elder abuse can happen to any older person, regardless of their background, and anyone who comes into contact with older people – be it friends, family, health professionals, hairdressers, librarians and many others – may be in a position to notice signs of elder abuse.

– Age Discrimination Commissioner the Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO said.