Funding gap for support services could hamper new campaign

Relationships Australia warns that despite the government spending on a new Elder Abuse awareness campaign, specialist services for older people experiencing abuse and neglect are scarce across Australia, and chronically under‑funded.

Relationships Australia is funded by the Australian Government to deliver specialist elder abuse services in only four states and territories, and in those four states and territories, only in tightly bound geographic locations.

Speaking about the Government’s new advertising campaign, Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer of Relationships Australia, said “we welcome the Government’s commitment to eliminate abuse and neglect of older people, which is often hidden. Those affected by it may be embarrassed or scared to talk about it and ask for help.”

“Relationships Australia supports initiatives that raise awareness, and that support people to seek help – and to offer help – without shame, fear, stigma or embarrassment,” said Mr Tebbey.

“Relationships Australia is deeply concerned, however, that older victim survivors of abuse who take up the offer of this awareness campaign will be forced to play postcode lottery to get the help they seek. They will also be forced to play funding lottery, because services are struggling to meet existing demand.”