Helpline response strategies

Responses to abuse can be informal, formal or protective depending on the circumstances, level of capacity of the older person and their preferences. Often a combination of strategies will achieve the most positive outcome. Abuse thrives in secrecy, so the more connections a person has the less likely they will be to experience abuse.

Informal responses

Informal strategies would include advising people of their rights and options, determining whether the person is able to self advocate or whether other family members or friends could provide support. Often people are unaware of their rights or how to access information.

Formal responses

Formal strategies might involve accessing community or private services (e.g. HACC, Home Care Packages, ACAT, counselling and mediation) thereby reducing reliance on an alleged abuser to provide support. It may also be necessary to advocate with other agencies on behalf of the older person so that their situation is fully understood and elicits a prompt response (e.g. regarding housing, accessing emergency financial assistance, access to legal advice, assessment for services).

Protective responses

Protective strategies include exploration of alternative accommodation, legal options and the broad range of police responses depending on the type of abuse (e.g. restraining or intervention orders, welfare checks, criminal charges).