Seniors Rights Victoria, Better Health Network announce Health Justice Partnership to combat elder abuse
Melbourne, 05 February – Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) and Better Health Network (BHN) have announced a new Health Justice Partnership that will provide SRV’s expertise in elder abuse intervention and prevention to older Victorians receiving care from BHN.
This initiative aims to provide multi-disciplinary support to older people experiencing or at risk of experiencing elder abuse, and has been made possible through funding from the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner’s Grants Program.
As part of the partnership, SRV will deliver specialised training in recognising and responding to elder abuse, and will be operating an on-site advice clinic at BHN’s South Melbourne location.
The clinic will provide advice on elder abuse and related matters such as intervention orders, guardianship, administration and care arrangements, family agreements, powers of attorney, debts, and property disputes.
Older people attending BHN can drop into the advice clinic as needed and its trained professionals will be able to fast-track referrals to access SRV’s free legal service.
“Older people deserve to feel safe and supported in their communities,” said Avital Kamil, Manager and Principal Lawyer of Seniors Rights Victoria. “This partnership with Better Health Network strengthens our ability to prevent and respond to elder abuse. It will be a vital resource in protecting the rights and dignity of older Victorians.”
The initiative provides older clients easier access to protection against elder abuse, said Amanda Murphy, BHN Executive Director, Business Enablement.
“Elder abuse is insidious, often undetected, and can take many forms. By working with Seniors Rights Victoria, Better Health Network can help safeguard our clients’ against mistreatment, while working to support their overall health and wellbeing,” she said.
If you are in Victoria and experiencing elder abuse, help is available through Seniors Rights Victoria’s confidential helpline on 1300 368 821.
Our website – seniorsrights.org.au – also features resources for concerned friends or family members.
For nationwide assistance, and to access additional resources in 20 different languages, please contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374).
If it is an emergency, call 000.
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For further information:
Steve Wright
Marketing and Communications Manager
Seniors Rights Victoria & COTA Victoria
Telephone: +61 3 9655 2159
Email: [email protected]
Alexandra Axford
Content Writer
Better Health Network
Telephone: +61 425 046 658
Email: [email protected]