The Benevolent Society Centre for Women’s Health and Campbelltown Council hosted a forum which addressed the plight of older women affected by domestic and family violence, homelessness and poverty.
More than 100 professionals and experts, many who work with older women, discussed the dire situations of this largely silent group. Their recommendations will be presented to the NSW Office for Women within the next two months.
A number of speakers at the forum, which was facilitated by media personality Libbi Gore, discussed why women were increasingly finding themselves in such isolated positions.
Sex and Age Discrimination Commissioner Liz Broderick highlighted the gaps between older men’s and women’s incomes.
Homelessness NSW ntre for Women’s Health manager Melina Isgro-Rarp called on the State Government to recognise the plight of older women in the community and give them more support.
“A key message to the government is that the NSW Strategy to Prevent Violence Against Women must include integrated planning and funding to better support older women,” she said.