VICTORIA Police is sending out officers to aged care facilities to inform staff about the dangers of elder abuse. The police presentations are designed to educate aged care workers on different forms of abuse, signs of occurrence, and advice on how to deal with it.
Victoria Police priority and safer communities division commander Jo Stafford said the “partnership with the aged care sector to hold these visits is a crucial new way to ensure workers recognise the signs of abuse and have the confidence to speak up about any concerns.” “Any form of abuse against an older person is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Stafford said. “We are proud to be the first police jurisdiction to partner with the aged care sector and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of victims.”
Victoria Police family violence command assistant commissioner Lauren Callaway said “police see first-hand the harm caused by abuse perpetrated against older people. While the crime is on the rise, we know it still remains underreported – so these visits are important to encourage workers to make a report to police if they witness or suspect an older person is being abused. “The more we know, the more we can help put an end to the abuse of older people, hold perpetrators to account and keep victims safe.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 5 November 2024