Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Warm Safe Home Project Raises Awareness of Elder Abuse

Supports for the Warm Safe Home Project by art-making to start conversations about elder abuse.

By Portal Admin - 15th June 2020 - Back to News

In many cultures, the home is key to our sense of safety. However, in elder abuse situations, the home can become a place of danger. Latrobe City Council, through its Living Well Latrobe initiative, is supporting the Warm Safe Home Project that uses art-making to start conversations about elder abuse.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dan Clancey, said elder abuse can go unnoticed because of shame or fear.

"Sadly, one in ten older people experience elder abuse. The abuse is often perpetrated by family members or friends, even care-givers and other professionals, and can range from financial or emotional to physical or sexual. It’s an insidious form of violence that leaves the victim feeling particularly vulnerable in their own home," Cr Clancey said.

"We know that the rates of abuse have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic and with Elder Abuse Awareness Day taking place on 15 June, this is a perfect time to raise the community’s understanding of this issue. The Warm Safe Home project allows the wider community to start the sometimes difficult conversation about elder abuse.

"This project is a creative conversation starter, a way to acknowledge that abuse is happening in our midst and to encourage people to talk about it openly. Everyone has the right to live free from violence but there may be a generational taboo around sharing this kind of personal and painful information or seeking help."

The Warm Safe Home project encourages you to write a positive message in response to prescribed questions around what being safe at home means, and then to design a cardboard house for display.

"We’re looking forward to seeing the beautiful designs our community comes up with. Your cardboard houses can be displayed at your own home or in our libraries. And we know that they will be filled with love and heartfelt messages of support that can kick-start an important awareness campaign to find ways to reduce the impact of this terrible form of abuse," Cr Clancey said.

To find out more about the project, visit www.latrobe.vic.gov.au and download an information flyer and template.

The Warm Safe Home Project was designed by the South West Victoria Elder Abuse Prevention Network, coordinated by South West Carer and Respite Services Network.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Sale residents urged to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 10 October 2026
  Wellington Shire residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals at a free Detox Your Home event in Sale, helping protect waterways, people, animals and the environment.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.