Respecting and valuing older people: Victoria’s Primary Prevention of Elder Abuse Framework

This handbook presents the core of Victoria’s Primary Prevention of Elder Abuse Framework for professionals planning action to prevent elder abuse before it occurs. It is designed to support strategic planning, program development, community engagement, workforce capability building and organisational reform.

The framework draws on available and emerging evidence identifying ageism and gender inequality, alongside intersecting forms of discrimination, as underlying drivers of elder abuse. The framework establishes guiding principles and four themes for action: respect, intergenerational connection, inclusion and gender equality. It uses a three-level socio-ecological model encompassing individuals, families and relationships; communities and organisations; and society. Examples of actions, settings and population groups are provided to support flexible, targeted and whole-of-community prevention initiatives. This handbook is one of two components of the framework. The second component is a companion guide providing further context and guidance for applying the framework.

Open access