CONTENT WARNING: This article talks about violence against women.

In 2024, The Plug-in, COTA SA, partnered with Office for Women to focus on engagement with South Australian women aged 50 years and older, community organisations, and service providers in the context of family, domestic and sexual violence.

Through a series of engagement activities, we heard the lived experiences of older women who are victim-survivors, how current services and resources intersect with elder abuse strategies, barriers that inhibit older women accessing services, and pathways to supports.

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Research outcomes will provide evidence for policy development and future investment, and a co-designed information resources that raises awareness of the unique experiences of older women and how the can best be supported within community and existing services.

Project is closed

Stage 1 – Literature Review (Complete)

In the first stage of this project, The Plug-in undertook a literature review to understand existing research and prevalence of family, sexual and domestic violence in South Australia, barriers to accessing support services, and ways to support identification of those at risk.

A copy of this report was provided to the project’s Steering Committee in January 2024.

Stage 2 – Stakeholder Engagement (Complete)

The Plug-in held workshops with service providers, including from violence response services, financial and legal supports, and emergency response, to better understand how these services support women aged 50 and over to seek support, and any potential service gaps or improvements that are needed in service response for older women.

The findings of stage 2 workshops were consolidated into a key insights report for Office for Women. This will complement the next stage of research to understand the experience of victim-survivors and broader community.

Stage 3 – Community Engagement

Survey + Interviews

The Plug-in invited participation in a survey that explored community attitudes to women’s health and wellbeing to understand a broad range of viewpoints and perspectives.

In this stage, interviews were also conducted with victim-survivors to ensure the voice of experience was clear in the research and awareness-raising efforts.

Outcomes

A key insights report has been prepared for the Office for Women, and resources are being prepared to raise community awareness of family, domestic and sexual violence against older women and avenues for seeking support.

If this article has raised concerns for you, we encourage you to seek support.
In an emergency, dial 000

  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Line (SA) (1800 800 098) – crisis counselling, support and referral to safe accommodation
  • Elder Abuse Help Line (1300 651 192) – information and support for people experiencing or witnessing abuse of an older person
  • Adult Safeguarding Unit (SA) (1800 372 310) – Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, support line for free confidential advice, information or to make a report of abuse
  • Child Abuse Report Line – 13 14 78
  • 13 Yarn (13 92 76) – crisis support line for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping
  • Nunga Mi:Minar Domestic and family violence support for First Nations women – 1800 003 308, 8367 6474
  • Migrant Women’s Support Program Domestic and family violence support for culturally and linguistically diverse women – 8152 9260
  • MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) – 24-hour support for men dealing with family violence and relationship difficulties
  • No to Violence Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) – support for men who use violence
  • Lifeline (13 11 14) – support line for those experiencing personal crisis
  • SA Yarrow Place Rape & Sexual Assault Service – 1800 817 421
  • Another Closet Domestic and family violence support for the LGBTIQA+ community – 1800 65 64 63
  • Safe Pets Safe Families SA (foster/crisis intake pet service) – 0490 818 879

Through your participation and contribution, you are raising the voices of older people and supporting the important work of COTA SA.

You can contact The Plug-in anytime to learn more about this project and other opportunities:

08 8224 5526
email to: connect@theplugin.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/ThePluginAus