World Elder Abuse Awareness Day puts focus on seniors’ rights
Families encouraged to acknowledge the issue by participating in walks, talks, crafts and cultural activities.
Australians are being encouraged to recognise the contribution made by seniors on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
The day, 15 June, is designed to draw attention to elder abuse, which has been described as the mistreatment of an older person that is committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust such as a partner, family member, friend, or carer.
It may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can lead to serious injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
WEAAD events, including awareness walks, morning teas and keynote speeches, will be held in cities and regional centres across Australia, with some of them listed here.
In Brisbane, Caxton Legal, Elder Abuse Prevention Unit, ADA Australia and other partners are hosting an event at the Flowstate venue at South Bank Parklands on 15 June.
It is designed to connect community members with experts and service providers, showcase the value of older people and widen conversations about how we can work together to stop elder abuse.
The theme for WEAAD 2023 is “It’s All about Respect”, and the program will include entertainment, education, and access to advice on ways to support people affected or at risk of elder abuse.
Organisers are encouraging us to come along, have a cuppa and join the conversation.
The program will include:
A mini expo of service providers and resources.
Creative and social workshops to share knowledge and skills, including art, craft and cultural practices.
A chance for seniors to sit with an expert over a cuppa, learning about their rights and how to protect them.
Entertainment and interactive fun with singers, dancers and theatre performers.
The creation of a community art piece facilitated by QUT Design School.
An opportunity to play with and learn about technology that helps with connection, wellbeing and living an empowered lifestyle.
This is an all-ages event, with organisers encouraging families to get involved. If you can’t attend on the day, the main stage program will be live-streamed over Facebook.
For email updates and more information about the Brisbane event, follow this link. Click here for general information about WEAAD.
