Territory Families provided $300 000 in funding to the Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) to undertake the Elder Abuse Prevention Project.

The results of the Project will be launched today as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“This partnership with Darwin Community Legal Service shows how we are progressing our efforts to reduce harm to senior Territorians,” said Ken Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Territory Families.

Elder abuse is a complex issue and involves the exploitation of the vulnerability of older people. This can be through scams targeting the elderly and also by close family members such as adult children. Financial abuse or family violence can also be a component of Elder Abuse.

“The Elder Abuse Prevention Project has investigated the extent of the problem in the Northern Territory, assisting our understanding and pointing to a way forward.  The Project, funded by Territory Families, will help inform the development of an NT and national strategy to shine a light on a problem that should not remain behind closed doors,” explained Linda Weatherhead, Executive Director of DCLS.

"The funding has allowed the DCLS to deliver coordinated assistance to senior Territorians to minimise the prevalence of Elder Abuse.

"It has also established an information line and referral service for senior Territorians experiencing Elder Abuse so they can get information and the help they need sooner,” said CEO Ken Davies.

DCLS has also undertaken research of Elder Abuse, including prevalence of senior Territorians experiencing Elder Abuse and produced resources for senior Territorians to protect against Elder Abuse, including information on preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney, advanced personal planning, financial planning and security, Centrelink, scams and cyber-safety.

The results will be launched by DCLS at Council on the Ageing NT, Spillett House, 65 Smith Street, Darwin today from 11:00am to 2:00PM.

Media contact:  Hayley Palazzi 8999 2940