By Catriona Stevens, Loretta Baldassar, Eileen O’Brian, and Everyone's Business: Research into responses to the abuse of older people (elder abuse) in Western Australia" is a study that examines how different sectors in Western Australia respond to elder abuse. The research, conducted between 2020-2022, is a key component of the WA Strategy to Respond to the Abuse of Older People (2019-2029). It involved over 750 participants from various sectors, making it the largest study of its kind in Western Australia.
The study aimed to:
Understand the types of abuse experienced by older people in Western Australia .
Map agency and service provider responses and referral pathways: to understand the support journey for older people experiencing or at risk of abuse.
Explore best practice recommendations: tailored to the Western Australian context, considering available resources and the specific needs of diverse populations.
The research highlights that elder abuse is a significant issue in Western Australia, with one in six older people experiencing some form of abuse. The study also reveals that many older people experiencing abuse don't seek help due to various reasons, such as shame, fear, or lack of awareness about available services.
The research findings inform the WA Strategy to Respond to the Abuse of Older People, which has four key priority areas: raising awareness and early identification; prevention and early intervention; integrated and coordinated response; and data and evidence. The strategy emphasizes that addressing elder abuse is everyone's responsibility and requires a whole-of-community approach.
Perth: Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab.2023. 409p.
