By Kyra Gillespie
The rights of the elderly were championed in the Pakenham Plaza on Friday 15 June in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
To mark the occasion, the Cardinia Age Friendly Alliance Group handed out fridge magnets in a bid to raise awareness on the effect of abuse on the ageing population.
The group’s Elder Abuse Project emerged as a key outcome of the Together We Can (TWC) 2017 summit.
Since the summit, the alliance group has developed a sound understanding of elder abuse, through meetings with the Casey Cardinia Community Legal Service, Seniors Rights Victoria and TWC’s Partnership and Engagement Facilitator Fiona Cost.
“Together we can protect the safety, dignity and wellbeing of seniors,” Ms Cost said.
“We were overwhelmed by the sensitivity, respect and care taken by the Cardinia Age Friendly Alliance Group in choosing the wording and content for this awareness raising project.”
Cardinia Shire is currently experiencing rapid growth of its ageing population.
Elder abuse is quickly becoming an emerging form of family violence.
The group wants to encourage people to have conversations in their homes about elder abuse.If you or someone you know needs support call Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821 or call 000 in an emergency.
