Alliance for the Prevention of Elder
Abuse: Western Australia

What is the Alliance?
The Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse:WA (APEA:WA) has been established to promote a whole-of-government policy framework that values and supports the rights of older people.
What is the definition of elder abuse?
APEA:WA defines elder abuse as any act which causes harm to an older person and occurs within an informal relationship of trust, such as family or friends. These can include:
  Financial or material abuse
  Emotional or psychological abuse
  Physical abuse
  Sexual abuse
  Social abuse
  Neglect

Who are the members of APEA:WA?
APEA:WA brings together:
  An Aboriginal Representative
  Advocare
  Department of Health
  Disability Services Commission
  Legal Aid Western Australia
  Office for Seniors Interests and Volunteering
  Office of the Chief Psychiatrist
  Public Advocate
  Public Trustee
  WA Police
APEA:WA will co-opt representatives of other organisations to facilitate its work from time to time.

What are the principles that will guide the work of APEA:WA?
APEA:WA recognises diversity within the community and supports implementation of a range of appropriate policy, program and practice responses to meet the needs of older people and to represent the needs of Aboriginal people affected by elder abuse.
  Every person has the right to live safely and without fear of abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation.
  Every person is assumed to be capable of making informed choices and decisions regarding their own lives unless shown otherwise.
  Decisions made on behalf of a person with an established decision-making disability will be in the best interests of the person, taking their views into account, and with regard to cultural practices.
  Victims of elder abuse will be involved in decisions about their care and have a right to comprehensive, accurate and accessible information on which to base decisions.
  Responses to elder abuse will be developed in consultation with older people.
  Any response to elder abuse should be least restrictive to the person's autonomy.

© APEA:WA Inc 2005   2262 visitors