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An estimated 50 sexual assaults take place in residential aged care in Australia every week. Older people also experience sexual assault in their own homes. The trauma they experience is compounded by the lack of education for service providers. With limited knowledge about sexual assault, service providers do not fully understand the power they have to prevent sexual assault.
The #ReadyToListen project aims to build the skills and capacity of residential aged care service providers to better respond to – and prevent – sexual assault in residential aged care.
At the heart of the #ReadyToListen project is a MAP (myths, facts and practical strategies). It outlines 10 ways in which residential aged care service providers can improve their responses to – and prevent – sexual assault.
Understanding sexual assault definitions and prevalence
Determining sexual consent
Assessing the indicators of sexual assault
Identifying the impacts of sexual assault
Complying with reporting requirements
Providing immediate safety and support
Practicing open disclosure
Providing trauma informed aged care services
Recognising and reducing resident vulnerability
Protection, prevention and service improvement.
Join the campaign
On 14th June 2022, the day before World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAD), we are launching a campaign that asks the world to listen to older people who report sexual assault.
In Australia there are an estimated 50 sexual assaults in residential aged care each week. Most of the victims/survivors are people with dementia. We are calling for dementia and aged care leaders to help raise awareness of the importance of listening, the first step in support and prevention.
Please download the #ReadyToListen sign template, write your name and organisation and share it using the #ReadyToListen hashtag on socials.