The Queensland Minister for Seniors has called on the broader community to recognise the signs of elder abuse over the Christmas period and to seek help when they see it.
The Minister, Craig Crawford said that elder abuse – which was most commonly psychological or financial in nature – increased at Christmas time as families came together.
Mr Crawford encouraged seniors, their families, friends, neighbours or community members to call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 if they had any concerns.
“Statistics from our Elder Abuse Prevention Unit show that cases can involve sons, daughters, spouses, partners or grandchildren of victims,” Mr Crawford said.
“This means victims often live with or are very close to their perpetrator, making it even more important for Queenslanders to take action if they think someone they know is experiencing, or at risk of, elder abuse.”
He said seniors experiencing abuse often appeared withdrawn, worried or anxious, or uninterested in their usual interests and the Government provided funding to a range of services to support seniors experiencing elder abuse, including the Elder Abuse Helpline.
Mr Crawford said Government funded legal and support services for seniors could be found in 11 locations across the State including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Mackay, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.
“These services provide free legal advice, information and referrals to support services for Queenslanders over the age of 60,” Mr Crawford said.
“The seniors legal and support service can help seniors obtain domestic violence protection orders, relocate to a place of safety, get advice on appointing or revoking a power of attorney and advise on recovering property or money lost as a result of elder abuse”.
He said that while some of the services could be closed over the Christmas break, people experiencing abuse could talk to someone they knew or trusted about their situation such as their doctor or a family member or friend.
“If you suspect someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, reach out to them and invite them to talk in a place where they are alone and safe and listen to them,” he said.
Information about support services available for elder abuse can be accessed at this PS News link.
