New suite of resources for older women launched


Released 13/08/2018

I was pleased to join with Legal Aid ACT today to launch a new suite of important resources aimed at supporting older women who may be subjected to family violence or elder abuse.

The new resources offer contemporary and practical information to women, support workers and concerned family and friends to improve safety and access to justice outcomes.

The resources seek to improve the community’s understanding of elder abuse as a form of family violence, inform older women about their legal rights and options and where to get help, assist workers understand the legal pathways in promoting the health, wellbeing and safety of older women, and provide guidance to concerned family and friends about appropriate responses.

The six new resources were funded through a grant of $14,900 provided through the 2016-2017 Women’s Safety Grants and will be available through the Legal Aid ACT Office.

  • Working with older people at risk of abuse – information for workers about promoting the safety and wellbeing of older people;
  • Decision making and your rights – As the law says, we must presume that adults have capacity to make decisions for themselves unless proven otherwise;
  • Plan for your safety - are you experiencing violence or abuse? Information for older people who may be at risk of elder abuse;
  • Concerned about someone? - Information for family and friends concerned about someone who may be experiencing elder abuse or family violence;
  • Gifts, loans and debts - It’s important to know your rights and responsibilities and what can go wrong when you help someone out financially; and
  • Adult children at home - Some adults return home to live with their parents, some never leave…

The documents launched today are an example of the kinds of projects that are delivered through the annual Women’s Safety Grants to help make the lives of women in the ACT safer.

All successful grant applications have demonstrated a clear alignment with the priorities of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26 or the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2011- 2022. The women’s grants all work towards the goals contained in the ACT Women’s Plan which sets out a course of action to work towards gender equality. These targeted measures work towards improving outcomes for women who are at heightened disadvantage due to intersecting forms of discrimination as a result of disability, race, age and socio-economic status.

The ACT Government continues its commitment to women and girls through supporting innovative programs that advance gender equality, address women’s safety and empower women to succeed. This work is bolstered this year by an additional $696,000 investment to drive outcomes in the women’s action plan right across government.

The documents can be obtained by contacting the Legal Aid Office on 1300 654 314..

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Megan Cursley

(02) 6207 1653

0435 960 505

Megan.Cursley@act.gov.au

Carol Benda

6243 3463


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