Elder abuse is a growing concern within our ageing communities.
If you are fearful or feel unsafe, or know someone who maybe experiencing family violence call
000 or call
Safe Steps on
1800 015 188 for advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Elder abuse
- Is defined as any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member or friend.
- It may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.
Seniors Rights Victoria provides:
- information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people,
- services that include a helpline, specialist legal services, short-term support and advocacy for individuals and community and professional education, and
- leadership on policy and law reform and works with organisations and groups to raise awareness of elder abuse.
If you, your client
or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, please contact these free and confidential support services:
To learn about local initiatives, and for more information and resources, visit Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention(BEAPP) Network.
Inheritance - not an entitlement
The City of Greater Geelong has partnered with the Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention (BEAPP) Network and Barwon Community Legal Service on the Inheritance Not an Entitlement Campaign.
This social media campaign features a series of short films that challenge commonly held myths about inheritance and how this can lead to financial elder abuse.
Watch the videos
Additional information about support options
- Seniors Rights Victoria - 1300 368 821
Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Free, confidential information and support for people experiencing elder abuse, and those who may be supporting them.
- Elder Rights Advocacy - 1800 700 600
Monday to Sunday from 6:00am to 10:00pm
Information, advocacy, education and support for seniors residing in residential or aged care facilities.
- The Orange Door - 1800 312 820
Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm
A free service for people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and connections to other services (e.g. financial, legal, health and mental health). People of any age, gender, sexuality, culture and ability are welcome.
- The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre - 03 5222 4318
Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, plus 24 hour crisis support
Support for all people affected by sexual assault and support for women, children and young people affected by family violence. People of any age, gender, sexuality, culture and ability are welcome.
- Bethany Community Support - 03 5278 8122
Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Programs, counselling and support to people experiencing family violence and those wishing to change behaviour.
- Barwon Community Legal Service - 1300 430 599
Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Free legal help to people experiencing or who have experienced family violence including: assistance with Family Violence Intervention Orders and advice on related legal issues (i.e. parenting arrangements, child support, issues with housing, Centrelink, fines or debts, separation or divorce).