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Many older Victorians suffering abuse do so in silence, or fail to acknowledge to themselves they are victims, their new ambassador believes.
Commissioner for Senior Victorians Gerard Mansour has been announced as an ambassador for elderly victims of family violence.
The state government also announced $1 million in funding for programs raising awareness of the rights of senior Victorians and how to seek help.
The money will also support prevention programs and bystander education.
Two thirds of elder abuse is perpetrated by a son or daughter, the National Ageing Research Institute has found.
Mr Mansour said the best way to work on the prevention of elder abuse was to get the issue out in the open.
“Rather than something that is locked up in families,” he said.
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson said elder abuse was a form of family violence that must be addressed as a priority to ensure the safety of older individuals.
“Older Victorians suffer from high rates of family violence and abuse, yet it’s rarely discussed in public,” Ms Richardson said.
“We need to increase people’s awareness of this problem so senior Victorians are supported and empowered.”