"Sexual assault devastates the lives of older people and is an absolute violation of their rights. This crime has been ignored or placed in the too hard basket for too long. It is a myth that low levels of reporting sexual assault equate to a low incidence of sexual assault. Low levels of reporting reflect the failure of providing safe, respectful pathways for older people, in particular women, to disclose what has happened to them. We need to listen to and learn from older women how to create pathways so they can safely disclose sexual assault. The #ReadyToListen project is the start of an ongoing process of acknowledging older people are sexually assaulted, that we must hold perpetrators accountable and develop prevention strategies."
Mr Craig Gear, CEO Older Persons Advocacy Network
Ready to listen
The #ReadyToListen project was established in 2021 to better respond to and prevent sexual assault in residential aged care. We recognise the gendered nature of violence (most sexual assaults are perpetrated by men against women) and the project includes women, men and Trans and Gender Diverse people.
The project was led by the Older Person's Advocacy Network, in partnership with Celebrate Ageing and the Older Women's Network, New South Wales. The Project Coordinator, Dr Catherine Barrett, is the Director of Celebrate Ageing and long term advocate for prevention of the sexual assault of older women. The project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.
The project was led by the Older Person's Advocacy Network, in partnership with Celebrate Ageing and the Older Women's Network, New South Wales. The Project Coordinator, Dr Catherine Barrett, is the Director of Celebrate Ageing and long term advocate for prevention of the sexual assault of older women. The project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Resources developed
Contact us
If you would like more information about this project, please contact:
- Project Coordinator Dr Catherine Barrett by phone on: 0429582237 or email: [email protected]
- Older Women's Network NSW: [email protected]
Partners
The #ReadyToListen project has been funded by the Department of Health and is being delivered by the Older Person's Advocacy Network, in partnership with Celebrate Ageing and the Older Women's Network, New South Wales. The Project Coordinator, Dr Catherine Barrett, is the Director of Celebrate Ageing and long term advocate for prevention of the sexual assault of older women.
Media
Media coverage of the project helps to build awareness of the need for change, increases take up of the resources and can encourage older people to speak out about their experiences.
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