The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has welcomed the rollout of new frontline training resources to help workers identify and respond to domestic, family and sexual violence against older women.
A sharp rise in violence against older women and women with disability has prompted the new frontline initiative across NSW, and was unveiled during the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence.
The Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), in partnership with the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, has released a suite of free, practical tools designed to help workers.
The ADC reports of abuse involving older people and people with disability have jumped 109 per cent, with nearly 19,000 incidents reported over five years.
Almost two-thirds relate to women, and up to 80 per cent of assaults against older women are committed by someone they know.
Sally Stevenson, Executive Director of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, said the new resources arrive at a critical time.
“Older women and women with disabilities continue to fall through the cracks of our systems,” she said.
“Any investment in practical, evidence-based tools that strengthen early detection and safe responses is essential. Frontline workers need this support, and the women we serve deserve nothing less.”
The resources include a free online training course that covers a foundational understanding of domestic, family and sexual violence; recognising signs and behaviours of abuse and assessing immediate safety; documenting concerns and making appropriate referrals; and responding specifically to sexual violence against older women and women with disability.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison added that older women face some of the highest risks of homelessness, financial abuse and violence. “Early intervention and prevention are key to creating a safer community,” she said.
Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said the materials are person-centred, disability-inclusive and trauma-informed, offering guidance on recognising signs of abuse, responding safely to disclosures and navigating referral pathways.
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre runs an Older Women’s Support Circle for women aged over 50 who have, or are, experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
Contact us on 4243 9800 to discuss.