This web page provides a valuable set of tools, events and research to support sector professionals in their ongoing work to address elder abuse.
The collection showcases:
- resources that centre gender-based analysis in the prevention of elder abuse
- older people’s lived experience and the importance of a voice to government
- tools for addressing ageism online and in the workplace
- practical guides to recognise and respond to the abuse of older people.
The resources also include in-language content. All Victorians need access to important services and information about elder abuse.
Events
Applying a gender lens
The [un]Silencing of Older Women
The effect of gender inequality builds through younger years and adulthood and affects older women the most. Experiences of ageism intersect with gender, and other diverse identities or circumstances.
It is important to apply an intersectional and gendered lens to prevent and address elder abuse.
Celebrate Ageing has developed a suite of guides and reports as part of the [un]Silencing of Older initiative. Learn how gender inequality is experienced by older women and how to address elder abuse with a gender lens.
Explore the [un]Silencing of Older Women resources via the Celebrate Ageing publications web :
- A gender lens for elder abuse – elements | principles | guidelines
- A gender lens for elder abuse – gender analysis and planning tool
- A life stages approach for the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and their Children.
TheBiscuitTin
Take part in Celebrate Ageing’s #TheBiscuitTin , challenging ageism and sexism one batch of biscuits at a time.
A treasured item in many homes, biscuit tins are an iconic, cross-cultural symbol of the valuable roles older women play in our community.
Some older Victorian women share their recipes, stories of achievement and, of course, biscuit tins as part of Celebrate Ageing’s #TheBiscuitTin program.
This series highlights the contributions older women make as nurturers and carers, and asks us to value these roles, alongside their many other achievements.
The program is part of the annual Older Women Count , which takes place in the lead up to International Women’s Day.
Highlighting lived experience
Senior Victorians Advisory Committee
For World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025, we chat with members of the Senior Victorians Advisory Committee.
What message would you like to share with the community this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
“Neglect is also abuse and is just as harmful. We judge the health of a society by the treatment of its most vulnerable. How do we measure up?”
– Linette Harriott
“Contemporary lifestyle and substantial disruptions to Aboriginal Culture, Tradition and Lore has eroded respect and values that our Elders (aged 50+) should be afforded, by all, without exception.”
– Aunty Gabby Gamble
“The biggest unrecognised abuse among multicultural communities is bringing older parents over to Australia for various reasons and thinking they are better off, while forgetting their overall wellbeing.”
– Mariamma (Maria) John
“We all need to look out for vulnerable seniors. All older people should know we are there for them and they will be supported and helped.”
– Brenda Appleton OAM
“It is essential to actively involve seniors in social events and activities. Feeling connected and engaged is crucial for our wellbeing.”
– Van Pho
Learn more about the Senior Victorians Advisory Committee and their role as a voice to government.
Beyond Age: changing the conversation about ageing
The Beyond Age asks us to reflect on the experiences of ageing with empathy, inclusion and respect towards our fellow Victorians.
The online and in-person exhibition brings together photos of community members from their past and present. Alongside the images, participants share advice to their younger self.
These powerful messages emphasise the value in ageing. They also encourage conversations to address ageism and preserve the dignity of older people.
The Beyond Age project was launched for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025 by Seniors Rights Victoria and Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria.
View the Beyond Age online .
Resources
All Victorians need access to important services and information about elder abuse. These resources developed by Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria in collaboration with Seniors Rights are available in English and multiple other languages.
Tools and guides
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Launched in May 2025, this powerful and practical guide supports professionals working across health, community and aged care to recognise and respond to the abuse of older people.
The toolkit increases knowledge and builds confidence to help professionals take action.
The guide was developed by Northern Integrated Family Violence Services, Western Integrated Family Violence Committee and Holstep Health.
Access the Abuse of Older People Response online.
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A key attribute to ageing well is the ability for older people to access
employment and be seen as capable.
The Guide for Addressing Ageism in the Workplace is a conversation guide that provides you with responses you can use when encountering ageism in the workplace.
The more we speak up when we hear ageist comments, the more our co-workers will recognise it as a problem and question their language.
The guide was developed by the Southern Melbourne Elder Abuse Prevention Network.
Access the Guide for Addressing Ageism in the online.
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People of all ages should have every opportunity to take part online.
The Digital Age Inclusivity and Accessibility Audit Tool provides support to improve webpage accessibility and inclusivity for older people.
This easy-to-use checklist helps staff and organisations to spot and suggest website improvements. The tips break down complex ideas to tackle ageism and bridge the digital divide.
The project was developed by the North and West Metro Elder Abuse Prevention Networks.
Access the Digital Age Inclusivity and Accessibility Audit Tool on the Holstep Health .
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The language we use, when talking about ourselves or others, can influence how we see, live and experience ageing.
For older people, this can include harmful stereotypes and outdated beliefs. This language shapes and influences how older people are viewed and treated by individuals and the community.
The Framing Age Message Guide provides tools and tips for talking about age, ageing and issues that affect older people.
The guide was developed by the Southern Melbourne Primary Care Partnership Elder Abuse Prevention Network, with the engagement of Common Cause Australia.
Access the Framing Age Message online.
Reviewed 10 June 2025