The WEVAL Project

Taking some time to think about the overlap between abuse and dementia this week, with it being Dementia Action Week. Today is also, World Alzheimer's Day.

We know that people with dementia are more likely to experience elder abuse than those without dementia, particularly financial abuse. As with violence, women are more likely to have a diagnosis of dementia. To address violence against women, we need to think about how we protect women with dementia, who are among some of the most vulnerable women in our society.

If you're worried about someone with dementia experiencing elder abuse, the most important thing is to do something about it. So often, we're afraid to intervene in what we see as people's private lives, but people who experience violence are often too fearful to speak out, or don't know who to seek help from. This is particularly so for people with dementia, who may be reliant on an abuser for care, or may not be able to reach out for help because of their dementia.

Elder Abuse Helpline - 1800 700 600 (national contact number that will connect you with your local aged care advocacy organisation)

Office of the Public Advocate (WA) - 1300 858 455