Introduction
An estimated 50 sexual assaults take place in residential aged care in Australia every week. Older people also experience sexual assault in their own homes. The trauma they experience is compounded by the lack of education for service providers.
Map Guidelines
At the heart of the #ReadyToListen project is a MAP (myths, facts and practical strategies). It outlines 10 ways in which residential aged care service providers can improve their responses to – and prevent – sexual assault. The guidelines are a framework for improving responses to and preventing sexual assault in residential aged care.
ReadyToListen resources
Download resources below.
Visit our videos page for past webinars and seminars.
Understanding sexual assault
A poster with definitions and the prevalence of sexual assault, with space to add your own care home details.
Clarifying sexual rights and consent
Information and education are provided to ensure staff, residents and families understand resident’s sexual rights and responsibilities and staff rights and responsibilities in this context.
The #ReadyToListen Charter of sexual rights and responsibilities – download here
Considerations relating to sexual consent and preventing sexual assault in residential aged care – download here
Assessing the indicators of sexual assault
The physical and psychological indicators of sexual assault are understood and prompt staff to identify whether sexual assault has occurred.
Watch the video on indicators of sexual assault– featuring Dr Catherine Barrett and Professor Ann Burgess
Identifying the impacts of sexual assault
The impacts of sexual assault are understood and prompt staff to implement strategies to support victims/survivors and prevent sexual assault.
- understand changes to reporting sexual assault under the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)
- differentiate between Priority 1 and 2 reports
- understand the physical and psychological impacts of sexual assault.
Reporting requirements
Staff understand and comply with reporting requirements under SIRS and understand when sexual assault should be reported to the police.
A Guide for Service Providers on Reporting to the Police – download here
Reporting poster for service providers – download here
Watch the seminar here to understand:
- the implications of these for reporting sexual assault to SIRS
- the legal responsibilities of service providers related to sexual assault
- how, when and why to report sexual assault in residential aged care to the Police.
Providing immediate safety and support
Staff support victim/survivors who disclose sexual assault, provide information on sexual assault and advocacy services, and ensure immediate safety.
Accessing Sexual Assault Services: A guide for service providers – download here
Poster: Supporting victims/survivors of sexual assault in residential aged care – download here
When Sexual Activity is Not Okay – What to Do: Information booklet for people living in residential aged care – download here
Sexual assault in residential aged care: Information for families – download here
Open disclosure
Staff understand and implement practical strategies for communicating about sexual assault in ways that are honest, timely, ethically responsible, and professionally expected.
Open disclosure and sexual assault in residential aged care guide – download here
Trauma informed aged care
The service implements practical strategies to promote trauma informed responses that support victim/survivors, other residents and staff.
The #ReadyToListen Trauma-Informed Framework for residential aged care – download here
Recognising and reducing vulnerability
Staff recognise factors that contribute to residents’ vulnerability to sexual assault and take steps to reduce this vulnerability.
The #ReadytoListen Dementia MAP: Guidelines for preventing sexual assault of people living with dementia in residential aged care – download here
Watch the webinar: Preventing sexual assault of people with dementia in residential aged care, featuring Theresa Flavin, advocate and activist for the rights and dignity of people living with dementia, Dr Catherine Barrett, Director, Celebrate Ageing and Yumi Lee, CEO, Older Women’s Network NSW
Watch the video on recognising and reducing vulnerability to sexual assault, featuring Kate Swaffer, Co-founder and Human Rights Advisor, Dementia Alliance International and Hayley Foster, CEO, Full Stop Australia.
Prevention and service improvement
In Sickness and Health
OPAN’s Ready to Listen project partners have developed a series of resources to support care partners of people living with dementia.
Information and support services for the care partners of people living with dementia who are experiencing unwanted sexual demands – download here
Resource for service providers working with care partners of people living with dementia – download here
