Elder abuse conference to drive positive change
Age Discrimination
The abuse of older Australians and how to prevent it will be the main focus of the 7th National Elder Abuse Conference this week of which Age Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Kay Patterson AO is the Walk the Talk Ambassador.
Hosted by Elder Abuse Action Australia and COTA Tasmania, the National Elder Abuse Conference provides an opportunity for everyone working in the field of elder abuse to come together and hear from a diverse program of speakers, to drive change and be voices for action.
“According to the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in December 2021, almost one in six older Australians reported experiencing some form of elder abuse in the past 12 months. Worryingly, almost two-thirds of older people don’t seek help when they are abused,” said Dr Patterson.
“In light of these statistics, this conference is absolutely vital in drawing attention to this serious issue and in bringing people together to shine a light on hidden abuse and drive positive change towards ending elder abuse.
“As the only annual conference specifically addressing elder abuse in Australia, this event is a timely opportunity for all individuals and organisations working towards eradicating elder abuse to take stock on what has been achieved so far and to plan for the road ahead.
“The hybrid online and face-to-face format of this year’s conference will provide a dynamic platform for national and international participants to engage with one another on the topic of elder abuse and I am looking forward to the connections and conversations which will occur during this two-day event.”
Anyone who experiences, witnesses or suspects elder abuse can call the National Elder Abuse phone line on 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) for confidential information and support. In an emergency contact 000.
For more information about the 2022 National Elder Abuse Conference, visit nectarcc.eventsair.com/neac2022
For more information about elder abuse, visit humanrights.gov.au/our-work/age-discrimination/projects/elder-abuse