This Friday, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the United Nations designated day to voice our opposition to the abuse inflicted on older people, most commonly by their families.
 
It is a day to promote ‘there’s no excuse for abuse’and to let older people in our communities know they have rights, including a right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect.
 
This year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) coincides with the Government’s commitment to introduce adult safeguarding legislation in the first 100 days of office.

The Office of the Public Advocate is a member of the Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (APEA), along with the Public Trustee, the Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS), the Legal Services Commission and the South Australia Police.

Some staff of the Office of the Public Advocate are attending the WEAAD conferencein Adelaide on Friday 15 June and other staff are supporting awareness by wearing purple to work.
 
For support or information concerning elder abuse contact:

• the SA Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line on 1800 372 310 for free confidential advice and support
• the Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) for abuse prevention advocacy
• the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner if the matter concerns residential aged care facilities.