- Legal Aid WA service Elder Rights WA marks one year of protecting seniors’ rights
- Provides legal support and advocates for older people experiencing abuse
- Fulfills Cook Government election commitment to establish Elder Rights WA
A State-wide service which provides legal support and advocates for the rights of older Western Australians experiencing abuse has marked one year of operation.
Elder Rights WA was established in 2022 by Legal Aid WA, in partnership with the Department of Communities, with $4 million in funding over four years from the State Government, to respond to a greater awareness of elder abuse and an increased demand for services.
Over the past year, Elder Rights WA has delivered 1729 services to 386 clients across WA. People aged over 80 were the largest cohort of people seeking assistance, comprising 25 per cent of clients. The most common client concerns were guardianship and administration matters, financial abuse, and other property claims.
Elder Rights WA provides equitable access to justice and holistic, wrap-around legal services for older people, which also include access to social workers.
According to a recent National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, nearly two thirds of older people do not seek help when they are abused, women are more likely than men to experience elder abuse, and perpetrators are often family members, mostly adult children.
Elder Rights WA is aligned to the key priority areas of the WA Strategy to Respond to the Abuse of Older People (Elder Abuse) 2019-2029.
For more information about the service call 1300 650 579 or visithttps://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au
As stated by Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
“Elder abuse is a significant issue in our community that too often remains hidden or goes unreported.
“Thankfully, with services like Elder Rights WA, that is starting to change, and older people experiencing elder abuse can come forward and seek information, support, legal advice and representation should they need it.
“Services like Elder Rights WA are critical in advocating for the rights of our seniors and supporting them to be protected and safe.”
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
“The Elder Rights WA service has enhanced our existing compassionate, client-centred advice and assistance for seniors who have been impacted by elder abuse.
“With an ageing population and greater awareness of elder abuse, there is an increased demand for this kind of service, which provides advice and guidance on legal matters and support to older Western Australians.
“Elder Rights WA is providing the best support possible and illustrates the State Government’s commitment to protecting and advocating for the rights of our seniors.”
As stated by Legal Aid WA’s Director of Civil Law Gemma Mitchell:
“Elder abuse can be physical, financial, emotional, and psychological, and can lead to older people finding themselves in complicated and sensitive situations.
“We believe the collaboration between social workers and Legal Aid WA lawyers has been instrumental in ensuring we are able to offer a holistic service to older Western Australians that really supports them through what can be a very stressful time.”
