Elder abuse affects many older Western Australians, and may involve social, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse.

The Department of Communities is working to reduce elder abuse in Western Australia through the development and implementation of an elder abuse strategy and the provision of resources designed to support individuals and service providers.

Communities also collaborates with government and non-government agencies to develop policies and deliver services to help stop elder abuse, including:

The following materials have been produced to promote awareness and the prevention of elder abuse.

Support services

  • Advocare assists older people to understand their rights and provides free confidential information and support to older people who are at risk of or experiencing elder abuse. Call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 724 679.
  • Older People’s Rights Service. Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre provides this service, including legal advice, information and those at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. Call 08 9440 1663 for legal advice.
  • Office of the Public Advocate works to promote and protect the human rights of Western Australian adults with decision-making disabilities. The office can provide information about Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship. Call the Telephone Advisory Service on 1300 858 455.
  • The Public Trustee offers independent trustee and asset management services. These include Will and Enduring Power of Attorney drafting, deceased estate administration, executor support, financial administration and trust management services. Call 1300 746 212.
  • Senior’s Rights Advocacy Services helps older Western Australian to safeguard their rights and prevent elder abuse. Call Infoline on 1300 650 579.

Resources

The following materials have been produced to promote awareness and the prevention of elder abuse.

Elder abuse awareness posters

 Stop Elder Abuse Poster. "Susan never felt comfortable becoming a guarantor for her son's mortgage. And now that he was unemployed and pressuring her for money, she was spiralling into depression. If you know someone like Susan who may be a victim of financial elder abuse, speak up. Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 724 679. Help stop elder abuse." Image of 'Susan' talking with friends at afternoon tea.

Download our suite of 'Stop elder abuse' posters (PDF). 

Elder abuse awareness postcards

Stop Elder Abuse Postcard 1. "Text: Your children don't automatically have control over your money. Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 724 679. Help stop elder abuse." Image of a son and mother photo inside a wallet with the son's hand grabbing her Visa card.

Download our suite of 'Stop elder abuse' postcards (PDF).