Lunch & Learn: Advocare on coercive control and the older person

Lunch & Learn sessions are a platform for EAAA members to share insights, projects and research. In this eye-opening presentation Shawnee van Poeteren from Advocare presented Death by a Thousand Cuts - Coercive Control and the Older Person.

Held on Thursday 13 February this webinar attracted over 500 registrations, demonstrating the importance of this topic. During the session we examined the profound and often silent impact of coercive control on older people and explored key topics:

• The Pink Flags of Coercive Control – Learning to identify subtle indicators of this harmful abuse

• Silence and Bombing Techniques – Understanding how these methods establish and maintain control

• Case Study – the real-life effects of coercive control on older people.

This is a must watch event for anyone working with older people or interested in understanding and addressing this insidious form of abuse.

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A LITTLE ABOUT SHAWNEE

Shawnee van Poeteren is a dedicated social justice and human rights advocate with 30 years of experience in aged care, Aboriginal health, and community services. She is committed to raising awareness of critical issues like ageism, elder abuse, and human rights, ensuring every vulnerable and marginalised person feels seen, heard, and supported. As part of Advocare's leadership team, she brings an extensive understanding of aged care reforms, elder abuse prevention, and empowering older Australians to protect their rights and live fulfilling lives.

Shawnee’s work includes overseeing the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) and the WA Elder Abuse Helpline. She also represents Advocare on national and state advisory groups. Her expertise has been instrumental in initiatives like the #ReadyToListen Project, equipping aged care providers to prevent and respond to sexual assault in residential care.

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