Today (Monday June 15) is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to promote respect and dignity for older people, and a day to wear purple – the internationally recognised colour for raising awareness for elder abuse.
The exteriors of Parliament House Hobart, Launceston City Hall, and Makers Workshop Burnie buildings will all be spectacularly bathed in purple lighting from 4.45 – 10pm on 15 June to mark support for this international day.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) CEO Sue Leitch says elder abuse is a problem that affects around 154,000 older Australians.
“Elder abuse may involve taking someone’s money or possessions, not providing necessary care, making threats or stopping an older person’s social contacts, physical or sexual abuse, and these usually occur at the hands of someone trusted,” she said.
“As our population ages, the number of people affected will increase, so it’s more important than ever that we raise awareness of elder abuse and challenge negative attitudes towards ageing.”
“Older people don’t have to put up with abuse and have the right to live with dignity and safety.”
In addition to the week of the purple glow, there will be a half- hour awareness walk In Hobart and Burnie pre light up on Monday 15 June.
Hobart Walk departs from Parliament House Lawn at 4 – 4.30pm – The team from Personal Best Fitness are coordinating the walk.
Burnie Walk departs from Makers Workshop 4 – 4.30pm The team for Healthglo Burnie are coordinating the walk.
COTA Tasmania will also present a series of public workshops (entitled Taking Control: Legal Matters and Ageing) with assistance from Hobart, Launceston and Burnie City Councils. The workshops are designed to offer information about Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianships, Advanced Care Directives and general information and advice on recognising and preventing elder abuse.
The details are as follows –
16 June Hobart at 10am – 12pm Elizabeth St Conference Room Town Hall
17 June Launceston at 10am – 12 pm Town Hall Reception Room
23 June Burnie 2- 4pm 2nd Floor Conference Room, Burnie City Council
People interested in attending any of the events or walks can contact Natalie on [email protected] or call 62 313 265.
For more information about elder abuse visit www.cotatas.org.au or call the official Elder Abuse Hotline: 1800 441 169
COTA Tasmania is supported by the Department of Human Services in delivering these activities.
Twitter @COTATas #elderabuse #positiveageing
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Sue Leitch, Chief Executive Officer
