A Gender Lens for Elder Abuse

The myth that older people are genderless is a barrier to understanding the influence of gender on ageing, equality and elder abuse. Gender influences the elder abuse context, the types of abuse experienced, the ways abuse is interpreted, the sources of help sought, the barriers to reporting and the barriers to accessing support services. It is therefore unsurprising that the World Health Organisation is calling for recognition of gender differences and gender-specific approaches to elder abuse prevention. 

The importance of gender was also highlighted in the recent Consultation draft of the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2024-2034, which acknowledged elder abuse is a gendered issue and gender inequality a driver of elder abuse. 

But what does a gender specific approach mean for elder abuse prevention - in practice? 

This webinar launches an Australian (and Global) first gender analysis and planning tool for elder abuse services. The Gender Lens for Elder Abuse identifies seven key elements of gender specific approaches and related principles, key questions, considerations, and suggested actions. The tool has been applied to the experiences of older women, as part of the Embolden Festival on The [un]Silencing of Older Women - and could also be applied to the experiences of older men and trans and gender diverse people. 

Please join Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM in launching this important resource. 

Presenters

• Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM: the importance of gender specific approaches
• Dr Catherine Barrett, CEO of Celebrate Ageing Ltd: an overview of the resource
• Debra Nicholl, CEO Elder Rights Australia: implications for elder abuse services.