The NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit is a confidential, free service that provides information, advice and referrals to the community. It also researches the prevalence of elder abuse in Australia.
The extra funding will assist the helpline to run more ‘train the trainer’ sessions across regional and metropolitan NSW. These sessions help frontline workers, such as nurses, identify and act on signs of abuse amongst older members of the community.
Since opening in 2013, the helpline has received more than 4,000 calls, mostly from family members and service providers reporting psychological or financial abuse and neglect of vulnerable relatives.
Minister for Ageing John Ajaka said the helpline provides essential insight into the often unreported abuse of older people in the community.
“The abuse of the elderly often goes unreported, but the consequences can be severe. We need a clearer picture of what’s going on, so we can provide the right services and supports to better protect older people,” Mr Ajaka said.
If you see or hear something that isn’t right, tell someone or call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.
For more information, visit the Elder Abuse Helpline website.
