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It is acknowledged that domestic and family violence impacts all age groups. However, the unique characteristics and social structures at play for our older demographic means that there are often stressors associated with ageing that expose this population to additional hardship when seeking help, accessing services and safely separating from an abusive relationship.
The World Health Organisation describes elder abuse as a violation of human rights and a significant cause of illness, loss of productivity, isolation and despair (WHO 2002 Active Ageing Policy Framework). As such, it is an issue that affects not only the person who is impacted directly but also the broader community.
Older people, like people of all ages, have the right to feel safe in their homes and their communities, be connected to the services that can help them, and have economic and financial security.
The people affected by elder abuse are our grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, neighbours and friends, so it is important that we are able to recognise when abuse might be happening and know where to get help.
In 2011 the United Nations General Assembly designated 15 June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
On behalf of the DFV Prevention Council we hope you enjoy this special edition of our newsletter, learn more about Elder Abuse, how to recognise it, and the role you can play in raising its awareness and ultimately its prevention.
Vanessa Fowler OAM and Bob Atkinson AO APM
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Meet Sha-lane Gibson
Sha-lane is one of the newest members of the Prevention Council, appointed in February 2023.
This month we ask Sha-lane about her work in Hope Vale supporting vulnerable members of her community and how this contributes to her work to prevent domestic and family violence.
You are a descendent from the Waymburr, Nuguul, Gamaay and Yiithu Warra clan groups in Far North Queensland, can you share what the word “family” means to you?
Family above all is the most important to me, it identifies who I am. Being Indigenous and growing up in an Indigenous community, family extends past my immediate parents. I grew up in a household surrounded by my Aunties, Uncles and Cousins due to lack of housing in Hope Vale at the time. My grandmothers home become a refuge for all of us.
The work you do is to empower families and individuals to live the best lives. Why is this so personally important to you?
For me, I have struggled and had to overcome many of the same issues that affect our clients that we are advocating for daily. A lot of these clients are my family and close community members. When we are thriving as individuals than we are thriving as a community. Our approach through Cape York Institute is a holistic approach to empower our community members to create change and have a life that they value.
What first interested you to contribute to preventing domestic and family violence in Queensland?
Growing up in an Indigenous community we are often exposed to domestic and family violence, it is so common that the stigma of DFV is to leave that couple or family alone as “it is their business”. I am passionate about ensuring that everyone is responsible for the outcome of their lives, and I am passionate about providing education to men and women who are victimised by violence.
A common issue in communities is unfortunately the lack of respect a lot of younger generations have for their elders. More and more we are seeing vulnerable elders be victimised and experiencing coercive control. I am passionate about ensuring our elders can live out the end of their lifetime in happiness and can be safe and healthy in their own homes.
Studies show that when older people are respected and valued as members of their communities, this has a protective benefit. How are you personally contributing to bridging the generation gap and instilling respect for the elders in Hope Vale?
I spent a lot of time between my mother and father’s family and value two particular women who have shaped me as a person. My Grandmother Wanda and my Great Grandmother who has now passed away, Myrtle. These two women showed me what respect was and their beautiful characteristics have contributed to who I am.
Our Elders were selfless people and ensured their children and grandchildren were happy and healthy. They would give their last shirt off their backs if they had to. Unfortunately, in modern day we can see this when it comes to finances, elders will give their last dollar to ensure their family members are eating even if it means they are not. We are teaching our elders in our work that their money is their business. Ensuring that above all they have access to basic services that can provide shelter, safety, and most important nutritional food.
What would you personally like to achieve through the Prevention Council this term?
I would like to educate our communities about Domestic and Family Violence in all its forms (Physical, Verbal, Financial etc.) and help to create and implement prevention strategies in our communities so that our men, women and elders are safe and happy.
What are the top 3 things about living and working in a remote community?
- I love living in my community and value the family relationships I have. It has contributed to my identity and a big part of who I am as an Indigenous (Guugu Yimithirr) woman.
- When they say “It takes a village to raise a child, it really does. That is one of the best things about my community. We care for each other, and we always have the best interest of people.
- Overall, the community, the lifestyle and the people are why I call this beautiful place home. I wouldn’t want to live, have grown up or be anywhere else.
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Connect with Sha-lane |
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Elder Abuse in Queensland
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Elder abuse is a single or repeated act — or lack of appropriate action — that occurs within any relationship where there’s an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
Elder abuse can take various forms, including psychological, financial, physical and sexual abuse. Neglect is also a form of abuse.
In 2021-22, there were 2338 notifications to the Queensland Government-funded Elder Abuse Prevention Unit. This is 15.6% higher than the previous year. The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit’s Year in Review 2021-22 indicates that most cases of elder abuse occur within family relationships. Psychological abuse (76.6%) and financial abuse (62.1%) were the most frequently recorded types.
The National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study (released by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in December 2021) estimated that one in six older Australians experience some form of elder abuse. |
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Elder Abuse Awareness Resources
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Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
Using the funds of an elderly parent without their knowledge, such as skimming their pension or taking their key card, is elder abuse. So is intimidating an elderly person into signing legal documents to hand over assets or make new wills. Someone neglecting the care of an elderly person they’re responsible for is elder abuse, and can have devastating effects on health and wellbeing.
Sadly, it is most often close family members who are the abusers. This can mean older people are less willing to tell someone, or we are reluctant to identify this behaviour in others, and it stays hidden.
It is vital to start a conversation and recognise these different forms of abuse so we can effectively combat it as a community.
The Queensland Government runs an annual elder abuse prevention campaign from mid-June until the end of July to help raise awareness of the signs of elder abuse and encourage people to contact the Elder Abuse Helpline for support.
The campaign officially launches on 15 June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, with digital and print resources available on the website. | |
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Everyone has the right to be safe and free from abuse
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is any act within a relationship of trust which results in harm to an older person. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, physical or sexual abuse, or neglect. In most cases it is perpetrated by people that the older person is reliant on for care and support, transport and/or medical needs.
Many people do not discuss their concerns with others because of feelings of shame, fear of retaliation, the involvement of family members or fear they will be institutionalised. Some people may not realise what they are experiencing is abuse, or feel that somehow it is their fault.
If you are experiencing abuse, or are concerned that an older person you know is at risk, call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 for free, confidential advice and referrals (Queensland only, 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday)
This helpline is funded by the Queensland Government and operated by UnitingCare Community.
An experienced and trained operator will talk to you about your concerns and provide referrals to the relevant support services. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
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Elder Abuse Resources in 20 Languages
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There is limited research available relating to elder abuse among people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. However, it is acknowledged that both isolation and limited English language skills contribute to an increased risk of elder abuse due to the difficulties in gaining information about services available and also the challenges of navigating complex service systems to communicate their needs.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed elder abuse awareness bookmarks and posters to increase community awareness of the signs of elder abuse.
The resources are available in 20 languages, including English, and are available for download or to order in printed format. | |
Download Resources |
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Queensland Police Service Vulnerable Person's Command
Elder Abuse Unit
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The Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command was established by Queensland Police to respond to harms perpetrated on vulnerable Queenslanders, and supports everyone’s right to feel safe and respected and live a life free of violence and abuse.
The Elder Abuse Unit sits inside the DFV Command and provides a strategic response to Elder Abuse; including developing policies, projects, training and resources to enhance the safety of older Queenslanders.
The unit also partners with many State and National entities and Government and non-Government organisations, to prevent, disrupt, respond and investigate Elder Abuse.
Senior Sergeant Debbra Phillips (pictured here with Inspector Bernie Quinlan and Project Officer Selina Lindsay) was part of the team that developed the Gold Coast DV Taskforce, embedding Detectives into the domestic violence unit.
Last October she was appointed the State Disability and Elder Abuse Coordinator and brings with her over 32 years of policing experience; including 23 years as a Detective and DV Coordinator. She is passionate about advocating for vulnerable people and holding perpetrators accountable.
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Senior Sergeant Philips wants us to be aware of the silent problem that affects thousands of elderly Australians.
“It's really important for all of us to remember that elder abuse is an offence under the Domestic Violence Act and abuse of any kind is not ok. Anyone concerned should call the helpline – 1300 651 192 – for advice and support.
Be aware of the elderly people in your life, especially if you have elderly neighbours, just say hi. It could make a huge difference to the vulnerable people in our communities and help to make life a little better for them."
The Queensland Police Service plays an important role in keeping vulnerable Queenslanders safe, and we thank you for your critical work and commitment. |
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Start a Conversation about Elder Abuse
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You can help someone experiencing elder abuse by starting the conversation with them.
- Invite them to talk in a place where they are alone and safe.
- Take their concerns seriously and listen to what they have to say.
- Let them know the abuse is not their fault.
- Let them know about the Elder Abuse Helpline and other services that can offer confidential help.
- Help them with transport, appointments and a place of refuge if they feel unsafe.
- Respect their right to make their own decisions and understand they may not be ready to take action.
- If they don’t want to talk, reassure them that you will stand by them, and will be ready to talk or help, when they ask.
- Don't be critical or make negative comments about the abusive person.
- Don't confront the abuser about their behaviour as this may escalate the risk of harm to all.
- If you witness violence, or are worried the older person is at immediate risk, call police immediately on triple zero (000).
The Queensland Government is working with the Australian Government and all other Australian states and territories to implement the National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians and to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable older people. |
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Seniors Legal and Support Services
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The Queensland Government funds 16 Seniors Legal and Support Services across the State, providing free legal advice, information and social work services for people over 60.
Delivered through a multi-disciplinary approach, these services provide support and referrals to improve health, well-being and safety for seniors.
For more information, or to connect to a Service, click on the button below. | |
Find out more |
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Elder Abuse services available through Caxton Legal Centre
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Caxton Legal Centre responds to elder abuse through four key areas of specialty:
Financial Protections Service
This is a service for individuals and groups who want to chat about financial decisions that need to be made or about concerns they have about how to protect their finances, which can be done one-on-one or at free information sessions at various locations in Queensland. Useful fact sheets are also available.
The Financial Protections Service can help with common areas of financial decision making such as:
- accommodation planning, covering aged care and home care
- budgeting and managing expenses and debt
- retirement planning covering superannuation, equity release products, credit and loans in retirement
- wills and future planning for financial affairs and health care decisions
- co-living and family agreements about care and assets
- loans, guarantees and other agreements about money.
The Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS)
SLASS provides free legal and social work support for older persons experiencing elder abuse, mistreatment, neglect or financial exploitation. Caxton Legal Centre’s team of social workers and lawyers work together to talk to people about steps that can be taken to address elder abuse including:
- staying safe
- short-term counselling
- how to keep money and assets safe, or recover money or assets
- legal rights and options
- in certain circumstances, representing clients in court or tribunal proceedings.
Older persons experiencing abuse may contact the service directly. Family members and service providers may contact Caxton Legal Centre if they have particular concerns about an older person and SLASS will then contact the older person directly. There are also useful Fact Sheets that outline information about common legal matters for seniors, available in several in languages in addition to English.
Older Persons Advocacy and Legal Service (OPALS)
The OPALS team assists older people who are in hospital or are an outpatient of a hospital or related health service who feel they are being mistreated by someone they trust, or that their rights to make personal, health or financial decisions have been wrongfully taken away from them. Referrals can be made to social workers and lawyers who have particular expertise in elder law including decision making, personal and financial safeguarding and family agreements for free and confidential advice, and that can be continued after discharge from the hospital if requested.
OPALS assists older patients (aged 65+ or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, outpatients or patients of a related health service) of the Metro South and Metro North Hospital and Health Services, as well as the World Wellness Group. In Metro South, OPALS visits the Princess Alexandra Hospital, QEII Hospital, Redlands Hospital and Logan Hospital. In Metro North, OPALS visits the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Through this Health and Justice partnership OPALS also conducts training sessions for hospital staff and community health professionals on how to identify elder abuse (‘red flags’ training) and make appropriate referrals.
Multicultural Advocacy Legal Service (MALS)
MALS assists individuals from multicultural backgrounds whose mental health is affected by their legal issues. Caxton Legal Centre's lawyers help with legal advice, communications with related services, information, referrals, interpreter and cultural support, and more where needed and requested.
If you would like to know more about professional development in these areas provided by Caxton Legal Centre please contact the team. | |
Contact the Team |
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Tom's Story - a Case Study
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Tom*, aged in his mid-80s, needed help to assert his right to continue to live at the property he had lived in since the 1980s.
When Tom separated from his wife, he transferred the property to his son and daughter-in-law as joint tenants, in exchange for life tenancy. This was formalised by a written agreement. Tom's son, daughter-in-law and their children moved into the property.
Tom’s property flooded in 2022. The downstairs area where Tom’s son and his family lived was not habitable, and his family had to leave. Tom remained living in the upstairs area because he had nowhere to go, or the means to find alternate accommodation.
His son and daughter-in-law then became aggressive and threatening towards Tom. For many months after the floods, they deliberately prevented his power being re-connected to the property. Tom had to rely on neighbors’ help for electricity. His son and daughter-in-law’s behavior toward Tom escalated to intimidation, verbal abuse and then to threats intended to make Tom move out. They would drop round to the property without notifying Tom first. Tom was extremely stressed and anxious.
Tom called the Seniors Legal and Support Service for help. SLASS supported Tom’s right to live in his property as a life tenant and linked Tom with the Queensland Police Vulnerable Persons Unit.
The next time Tom’s son and daughter-in-law were at Tom’s property and being aggressive and threatening the police also attended and spoke to everyone involved. Tom reported a de-escalation of the abusive behavior, but he was still concerned that he would be forced out with no where to go.
SLASS worked with Tom to identify what he wanted. Tom did not want to live in the property anymore, but he needed the life tenancy agreement honored.
The SLASS organized mediation where Tom was represented by a lawyer from SLASS. The mediator helped Tom and his family work through the financial arrangements. The lawyer supported Tom to negotiate an agreement that his son would pay for his rent for the rest of his life.
The arrangement allows Tom to live independently in secure accommodation of his choosing.
This case study was provided by the Office for Seniors and Carers.
*Not his real name. |
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For information and support options - www.qld.gov.au/dfvhelp
For confidential crisis support - DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police |
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