Community
20 June, 2025
Informative session on elder abuse
MEMBERS of the community had the opportunity to learn more about elder abuse on Monday at a special morning tea held to mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The event was run by Corangamite Shire Council and saw strong attendance and engagement.
Residents were walked through the different types of abuse elders can experience and ways they could reduce their risk of abuse.
Dementia Australia’s Alice Haley, Elder Rights Australia’s Lisa Gervasoni and Camperdown Police Sergeant Natalie Jorgensen were the featured speakers at the event, each focusing on a specific circle of elder abuse.
Ms Haley spoke on the risk of elder abuse committed against those suffering dementia, as well as ways to put protections in place.
Mrs Gervasoni spoke about power of attorney and shared examples of cases she had seen of elder abuse.
“It’s being aware – making the community aware of elder abuse, especially neglect, and looking out for the people around you,” she said.
“If you’ve got older people around you in your neighbourhood, keep an eye on them and keep an eye out for things that might be different – don’t just put it down to old age.
“Be careful who you pick as an enduring power of attorney – adult children are the biggest perpetrators of elder abuse, so be very careful who you pick.
“Know what enduring power of attorney means and when it activates.”
Sgt Jorgensen spoke to the criminal side of abuse, which included the types of abuse and how they can be reported.
“Victoria Police define elder abuse as an act by a trusted person or a family member causing harm to an older person. It can happen once or repeat over time,” she said.
“Camperdown Police encourage members of the public to speak up about elder abuse.
“If it is happening to you, or someone you know, consider reporting the matter to Elders Rights Australia (9602 3066) – a national aged care advocacy program – Crimestoppers (1800 333 000), by ringing Triple Zero (000) or your local police station.
“You can report this at crime stoppers by selecting ‘suspicious activity or other crime’ followed by ‘elder abuse’ (including financial elder abuse).
“For further information members of the public can go to www.police.vic.gov.au.”
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