Police and aged care sector team up to tackle abuse of older people

The effort has seen specialist police from Victoria Police’s Priority and Safer Communities Division, Family Violence Command, and regional operations team up with the sector to visit aged care facilities across the state and ensure workers know the signs of abuse and how to report it.

The visits include presentations with police and the sector – including Elder Rights Advocacy – to educate workers and the broader community on the forms of abuse and what it involves as well as providing advice on how to seek help if workers witness or suspect offending is occurring.

It also includes information on victim support services, as well as access to counselling, legal and financial support.

Police see firsthand the impact of older members of the community being abused each year with the crime ranging from physical and sexual assault to serious neglect and mistreatment.

While police continue to respond to increasing rates of abuse of older people, it remains underreported.

Victoria Police believes the visits to aged care facilities are crucial in raising awareness about the problem and encouraging aged care workers to speak up and make a report so any suspected behaviour can be investigated.