Communities at Work

The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th every year) is a day officially recognised by the United Nations (UN) to highlight the issue of elder abuse and raise our voice in opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on some of our older generations. 

In simple terms, elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person. The harm can be physical, social, financial, psychological, or sexual in nature, and can include mistreatment and neglect. 

It is a global social issue that affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world. Until recently, this serious social problem was hidden from the public view and considered mostly a private matter. Even today, elder abuse continues to be a taboo, mostly underestimated and ignored by communities.  

We encourage people, businesses and other organisations to join us in raising awareness of elder abuse to help build safer communities for our older citizens.  

For more information, please visit https://elderabuseawarenessday.org.au/  

Need to chat? We’re here to help 

As an organisation that strongly believes in enriching lives today and shaping better futures tomorrow for all Canberrans, we recognise the significance of elder abuse. We are proud to show our support and do our part in spreading awareness about this important issue to stop the abuse of older people in our community.  

Visit us at Cooleman Court on 15 June 2023 

We are hosting a popup stand at Cooleman Court to provide information and a friendly ear for anyone who wants to chat confidentially in a neutral environment about elder abuse. We invite you to visit us:

• 10am-2pm, 15 June 2023

• Cooleman Court Shopping Centre, Weston Creek

You’ll find us downstairs near Centre Court, between Baker’s Delight and Coffee Guru! Thanks to Cooleman Court Shopping Centre for supporting this activity. 

Other Upcoming WEAAD Events

Useful Contacts 

If you are an older person in need of help or advice, please contact: 

• ACT police on 131 444 
• Older Persons ACT Legal Service on 02 6243 3436 
• ACT Human Rights Commission on 02 6205 2222 
• Council on the Ageing ACT on 02 6282 3777 or at Hughes Community Centre 
• ADACAS on 02 6242 5060 or at Gritten Street Weston 
• Relationships Australia (Canberra & Region) on 1300 364 277 

Our Seniors Program 

If you’d like more information about our Seniors Program and activities: 

• Visit our Seniors Services webpage 
• Call our Seniors team on 02 6293 6254  
• Email seniors@commsatwork.org
• Use the Get in Touch form on our website (and allocate all enquiries to Seniors’ Programs)

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Expo 2021

Did you know that Communities at Work organised an Expo for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day? On 21 June 2021, from 10 am to 3 pm, businesses and individuals came together to show their support for the significant issue of the abuse of older people and to interact with the local community by attending the event. The WEAAD Expo was supported by the Office for Seniors and Veterans – ACT Government. A panel discussion was held on the day and panellists included Australian Federal Police (AFP), ACT Human Rights Commission, ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS), Relationships Australia, and Public Trustee and Guardian. The panel discussion was facilitated by COTA ACT.

Communities at Work looks forward to continuing to be an active advocate for this key issue and creating awareness of the abuse of older people in our community. If you would like to have a confidential chat with someone, please contact a member of our Seniors’ team on 6293 6254 or seniors@commsatwork.org.