Elder Abuse Awareness Advocacy

@ COTA NT since 15 June 2015

COTA NT first marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) in 2015 with its inaugural event and campaign to raise community awareness of elder abuse (or older persons’ abuse) in the Northern Territory. Partnering with Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) – a partnership which has been ongoing ever since – the organisation promoted the Territory’s Elder Abuse Information Line launched in April 2015. The telephone help line a free, confidential and independent service for all Territorians.

View more about COTA NT’s advocacy and awareness raising around the issue of elder abuse since 2015  below through marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Days. The organisation’s advocacy to prevent elder abuse is part of its policy and is also highlighted in its media including NT Seniors Voice, emails, newsletters, social media, its major Seniors Expo events and via its voice to government, media and stakeholders. 

• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2022 – joined other agencies to promote the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) information and advice line, free to call 1800 700 600 plus supports and services in the Northern Territory.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2021 – jointly hosted community BBQ  at COTA Head Office with Aged Care Navigator, NT Seniors Card and CaLD Program Managers, Casuarina Lions, Relationships Australia, Darwin Community Legal Service, Services Australia (Centrelink) and Office of the Public Guardian. Joined by the  Hon Lauren Moss MLA Minister for Seniors and Ms Sally Sievers, Commissioner of the NT’s Anti-Discrimination Commission.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2020 – issued joint statement in conjunction with Relationships Australia, Darwin Community Legal Services and Catholic Care NT. Staff wore purple for promotional work raising awareness of elder abuse.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2019 – included promotion of Elder-Abuse-Prevention-Project-Final-Report and National-plan-to-respond-to-the-abuse-of-older-australians
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2018 – collaborated with Darwin Community Legal Service for an Elder Abuse Awareness Workshop which included video presentations and painting ‘Respect Value Protect’with artist Sandra Kendal. Published in the NT News on the topic of financial abuse of the elderly.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2016 – collaborated with Darwin Community Legal Service  for Elder Abuse Presentation 2016.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2015 – first event marketing included in campaign to raise community awareness of elder abuse or older persons’ abuse in the Northern Territory. Included Elder Abuse Presentation 2015.