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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June 2024

This year, COTA NT is working with Relationships Australia NT to raise awareness of elder abuse, provide information and survey seniors on their understanding of the role Relationships Australia NT plays in provided much-needed services for families experiencing elder abuse.

Respect Starts Here – Schools Competition

 

  • If you are a TEACHER: For advice about how to start age-appropriate conversations in your classroom about respecting your elders and issues around elder abuse, contact Relationships Australia 1300 458 600.
  • If you are a STUDENT in the Northern Territory aged 5 – 12, enter the Respect Starts Here competition to show the Northern Territory what respect for your elders means to you.
    • One entry per school, to be submitted by email to COTA NT, via activities @cotant.org.au (no spaces). Artwork should be a jpg, png or PDF file.
  • Entries open 1 April 2024 and close 31 May 2024.
  • The winning entry will be framed for public display and published in print and digital newspaper, Seniors Voice and across COTA NT media channels*

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Community Presentations

  • Alice Springs – Wednesday 12 June, 9.30am to 11.30am 50+ Community Centre, 11 Wills Terrace, Alice Springs – Bookings via eventbrite or phone 08 8941 1004
  • Darwin – Thursday 13 June, 10am to 11.30am COTA NT, Spillett House, 65 Smith Street, Darwin – Bookings via eventbrite or phone 08 8941 1004

Presentations are free, open to all members of the community and include morning tea. Information will be provided by Relationships Australia NT about elder abuse and their support services. You are encouraged to wear purple-coloured clothing or a purple ribbon as part of the observance.

Relationships Australia NT – Phone 1300 458 600

Relationships Australia NT’s Specialist Elder Abuse Service can help older people and their families through counselling and mediation to:

  • Resolve or prevent family conflict in ways that aim to improve relationships
  • Have ‘difficult conversations’ and improve communication skills
  • Reduce the risk of abuse, exploitation or neglect.

Support is available from Aboriginal staff, interpreters are available for languages and Auslan. 

Working to prevent abuse in the NT

COTA NT and Relationships Australia are among a number of Territory agencies working to elder abuse along with Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities – Office of Senior Territorians, COTA NT, Anglicare NT, Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS), Australian Security & Investment Commission, Catholic Care NT, Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS).*

Where to seek help and support in the Northern Territory

In a critical situation (e.g. where there is a serious risk to an older person’s life), it is vital to seek help from the appropriate emergency service (e.g. Police or Ambulance) by phoning 000.

  • Central Australian Women’s Legal Service – 1800 684 055
  • Catholic Care NT Alice Springs – 8958 2400 
  • Darwin Community Legal Services – Elder Abuse Information Line – 1800 037 072
  • National Elder Abuse Phone Line – 1800 353 374 (1800 Elder Help)

For more information and resources about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, visit elderabuseawarenessday.org.au 
It also includes ideas and resources for ways in which you can help mark and promote awareness of the day and issue.

* The judges decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into with entrants other than the winners. Suitable permissions must be obtained from the copyright holder (e.g. the artist) before entries are submitted.