Elder abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, culture or religion, but it may be more hidden and under-reported in ethnic communities than in the general population.
When communities talk openly about the issue, it gives people permission to speak up if they or someone they know is experiencing abuse.
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) will launch its landmark short film, Within My Walls, a community education resource on elder abuse on Wednesday, 15 October 2014, 6pm-8pm at Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Victoria.
Within My Walls is a glimpse into the lives of older people in suburban Melbourne, who have been affected by mistreatment at the hands of their family.
This short film is a community education tool, designed to generate discussion about the topic of elder abuse, and is part of the ECCV’s elder abuse project.
Available in seven languages (Cantonese, Greek, Macedonian, Mandarin, Serbian, Tagalog and Turkish), the stories show types of elder abuse experienced in ethnic communities and was developed in close consultation with community advisory groups. The event includes a screening of the film and an information clip about elder abuse. There will be an opportunity to meet the film-makers and hear about how the film was made. Speakers include Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Health Georgie Crozier and representatives from the ECCV, Seniors Rights Victoria and the Victoria Law Foundation.
The Elder Abuse Project is supported by the Victorian Department of Health. Within My Walls is funded by ECCV, Victoria Law Foundation and Victorian Department of Health.
ECCV, the peak body for ethnic and multicultural organisations in Victoria, is the key advocate for culturally diverse communities in Victoria. For details, visit its website: www.eccv.org.au
