Protecting Older Victorians From Abuse

One in six older Australians experience elder abuse. The Allan Labor Government is working to stop it before it starts.

Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt launched Victoria’s first Primary Prevention of Elder Abuse Framework.

The Respecting and Valuing Older People: Victoria's Primary Prevention of Elder Abuse Framework Handbook gives health services, councils and community organisations practical tools to tackle elder abuse at its roots.

The framework focuses on four priority areas for action:

• Respect – dismantling ageist stereotypes and harmful assumptions about older people

• Intergenerational connection – building positive relationships between younger and older generations

• Inclusion – ensuring every older Victorian is seen, heard and valued

• Gender equality – tackling the sexism and discrimination that puts older women at greater risk.

It's backed by a $6 million investment from the Labor Government and delivers under Until Every Victorian is Safe: Third Rolling Action Plan to End Family and Sexual Violence 2025-27.

The Framework Handbook is the first stage of Labor’s primary prevention approach. A Practice Guide and other implementation resources will follow later this year.