World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Online Forum 2021

ARAS is proud to present its 2nd online forum in its 16th year of observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). ARAS is proud to present its 2nd online forum in its 16th year of observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

COVID-19 has created significant uncertainty in Australia, especially amongst older people. Lockdowns and the subsequent inability to access support services, and the difficulty of keeping social connections, especially when older children move back with a parent or parents, has left older people with fewer avenues to talk about their circumstances and seek support.

During 2019-20, ARAS reported family conflict, lack of information, and psychological dependence were the key risk factors for elder abuse. Similar to previous years, the abuse reported was primarily financial and psychological and sons and daughters were reported as the most common abusers.

Let's come together and talk about how we can build a community that supports older people to retain control of their lives, enhance their wellbeing, and maintain their independence living at home.