This session will provide information to health professionals about elder abuse, how to identify signs of elder abuse, discuss the difference between elder abuse and family violence, and explore current barriers and challenges in seeking help and reporting of elder abuse.
This event has been RACGP approved for 1.5 hours of Educational Activities.
ACCRM accreditation pending.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe what elder abuse is and how ageism contributes to elder abuse in Tasmania.
- Explain current state laws and statutory obligations affecting older people
- Discuss risk factors for elder abuse, as well as current barriers and challenges to seeking help.
- Recognise red flags that may indicate abuse or violence and respond appropriately, especially where there is an immediate risk to health and safety
- Refer patients who have experienced abuse or violence to appropriate support and specialised services
Speaker Information:
Suanne Lawrence is a Registered Nurse with over forty years’ experience across a range of sectors, in Australia and the USA, as a clinician, public servant, lecturer and researcher.
In 2015 Suanne was instrumental in establishing the research group, Preventing Elder Abuse Tasmania (PEAT). This multi-disciplinary group has undertaken a number of independent research studies as well as providing a review of a case of elder-abuse for the Tasmanian Coroner. On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, Suanne led PEAT in a research study that engaged service providers statewide – across health, law, social services, and finance sectors – in a discussion of how they recognise and respond to elder abuse in their communities of practice. Through these discussions, providers were able to propose solutions to the barriers they encounter in helping prevent elder abuse. These results have been presented to the Tasmanian Government and continue to shape the Tasmanian strategy on elder abuse prevention.
As well as her academic work at UTAS, Suanne has project managed a number of Commonwealth co-funded, evaluation projects in the Tasmanian Department of Health (DHHS). These were complex projects conducted at multiple sites across the state. These projects, and her PhD give an insight into how Suanne works collaboratively with stakeholders to meet negotiated outcomes. This broad knowledge and contacts in Tasmanian service sectors, is critical to ensuring all areas of service and their associated client base are included in research and collaboration on preventing elder abuse in Tasmania.
Gemma Misrachi has worked in Tasmania Legal Aid’s Senior Assist program since October 2020 as Legal Practitioner and previously manager of the team. Gemma’s current role as Legal Practitioner includes providing advice and assistance to older clients experiencing abuse and delivering community legal education. Gemma has previously worked in criminal law, and her passion for human rights is highlighted by many years working in the anti-discrimination field.
Matthew Holloway is a Case Manager with Tasmania Legal Aid’s Senior Assist program, a role he’s held since July 2024. He brings more than seven years of experience in Community Corrections and over a decade in the social services sector across Victoria and Tasmania. Beyond his professional work, Matthew is deeply committed to building community. He has served on several community organisation boards and currently contributes as a board member of the Hobart PCYC.