Grants available for regional organisations to push World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The Department of Communities will make funding available for regional not-for-profit organisations and local governments to hold initiatives during the week of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The program will provide regional organisations up to $3000 to run activities and raise awareness of the issue.

Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the program was designed to draw attention to elder abuse in regional areas, as well as to provide access to support and information to as many people as possible.

“Elder abuse is a significant issue in our community that has attracted national and local attention, as well as growing momentum for action,” he said.

“It is a complex social, health and human rights issue experienced and carried out by Western Australians of all backgrounds.”

According to a study conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, one in six elderly Australians will experience some form of abuse.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be observed on June 15.