Empowering local communities to tackle abuse - Department of Communities and Justice

First-of-its-kind data released by the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) will help local councils better safeguard older people and adults with disability from abuse in their family, home and community.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the data will be provided to councils as part of a new ADC program that will support them to identify trends and develop strategies to respond to abuse, neglect and exploitation.

“This new data will inform how communities respond to issues of abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability, by arming them with the tools they need to implement tailored solutions and prevention initiatives,” Mr Henskens said.

The program provides a snapshot of local reporting data, including the number of reports, the main reporters and the types of abuse being reported.

Minister for Seniors Natalie Ward said the ADC has developed an evidence-based toolkit to help councils implement sustainable, long-term initiatives.

“This is a great example of data driving good social policy that will help prevent elder abuse and create stronger communities across our state,” Mrs Ward said.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the initiative highlights the important role councils play in supporting their communities at a grassroots level.

“Councils are well placed to lead local solutions by bringing together the community and social services sector to help protect our most vulnerable,” Mrs Hancock said.

NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald said the ADC will work with councils on the most effective strategies that contribute to sustained awareness and confidence to detect and respond to abuse.

“This program gives councils a unique opportunity to assess what some of their local issues are and then implement more targeted, evidence-based solutions to make their community safer,” Commissioner Fitzgerald said.

More information about the program is available on the ADC website.

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Empowering local communities to tackle abuse - Department of Communities and Justice
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