A joint initiative between COTA Tasmania (Council on The Ageing) and Working It Out (WIO) to help raise awareness of Elder Abuse within the LGBTIQ+ community was launched as part of the Pride Party in the Park celebrations on Saturday 1 February 2025.
Multiple research studies across the span of nearly a decade indicate a lack of representation and awareness of elder abuse amongst members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
To help mitigate this, a focused co-design process across the state exploring existing available resources has resulted in the creation of new printed collateral designed to increase awareness and support members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Working collaboratively across the two organisations, nine sessions were conducted with community members over a five-month period, where participants collaborated to review existing materials, address gaps, discuss the needs of their community and together design the new resources which are more reflective of their needs.
Artworks by co-design participant and local artist, Sabine Wagner, add a vital layer, offering visually engaging designs that encourage curiosity while maintaining discretion when needed. “The group felt that beautiful, captivating artwork was essential to draw the community in and make the resources impactful,” said Brigid Wilkinson, CEO, COTA Tasmania.
With 1 in 6 Older Tasmanians experiencing Elder Abuse, individuals and organisations are encouraged to access the resources and enquire about training on why prevention of elder abuse is so important within the LGBTIQ+ community. A broader media campaign will be undertaken, along with information sheets about availability of resources and training distributed amongst key targeted networks such as GP’s, health centres, Residential Aged Care Facilities.
“This project highlights the power of co-design, with community members driving the creation of awareness messages and mediums. These new resources align with the Tasmanian Government’s Lifelong Respect: Strategy to End the Abuse of Older People (2023-2029). We also have plans to develop audiovisual content in the coming months” commented Liv Hogarth, incoming CEO at Working it Out.
It is expected that this Tasmanian Government Funded initiative will result in an increase in awareness surrounding issues related to elder abuse throughout the LGBTIQ+ community with the goal of reducing elder abuse across the state.
“COTA Tasmania continues to work closely with other community organisations involved in elder abuse prevention and promotion activities and this project is another example of our collaborative efforts to support older Tasmanians. We will also be working again with Advocacy Tasmania to get these new resources out into community, having previously collaborated on other elder abuse awareness collateral” said Brigid Wilkinson, CEO, COTA Tasmania.
To request any of the materials, please contact COTA Tasmania on Tel: (03) 6231 3265 or admin@cotatas.org.au
Anyone who is experiencing elder abuse or is concerned about an older person can ring the Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 441 169 for a free, confidential and sensitive information and referral.
