Elder abuse

The Queensland Police Service is committed to working with older people and the community to stop harm to our older people.

It can be challenging to identify elder abuse as there is no single type of person who is at risk or who may cause harm. Elder abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Only by working together can elder abuse be prevented.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse (also known as abuse of older people) can take many forms. If an older person is being harmed in some way by a person they trust, that’s elder abuse.

Elder abuse can be categorised into six types; emotional, psychological, financial, physical, sexual and neglect. Elder abuse can be a criminal offence and domestic and family violence.

Unfortunately, it is common for elder abuse to remain hidden and continue unsuspected. Elder abuse is vastly under-reported and, in most case, committed by close family members.

Examples of elder abuse

Elder abuse can include:

• Unwanted sexual behaviour
• Assaulting or restraining someone
• Causing fear by threatening to hurt a pet or break belongings
• Intimidation, humiliation or harassment
• Threatening eviction or moving to a nursing home
• Blocking contact with family or friends
• Disallowing autonomous decisions
• Selling belongings without permission
• Misusing an Enduring Power of Attorney by taking money or property improperly
• Forcing will changes
• Denying access or control of funds
• Disallowing help services
• Neglecting physical, medical or emotional needs.

Know the signs

There may be signs that indicate elder abuse is taking place. Some signs those at risk may exhibit include:

•  Fear of others
•  Irritability, emotional fragility or unexplained anxiousness
•  Depressed, apathetic or withdrawn behaviour
•  A change in sleeping or eating habits
•  Rigid posture and avoidance of physical contact
•  Avoidance in eye contact and eyes darting
•  Verbalisation of contradictory statements unrelated to mental confusion
•  Reluctance to talk openly
•  Financial stress or bills going unpaid
•  Poor personal hygiene
•  Weight loss
•  Poor or inadequate presentation
•  Unexplained injuries
•  A sudden decrease in socialising.

If you know someone displaying any of these signs, start a conversation with the person and ask if they are okay. And remember, an older person may be reluctant to talk about elder abuse due to shame, fear, or an unwillingness to get family members in trouble. It is unlikely that elder abuse will stop unless something is done.

Who can help

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, there are options available for help and support.

Police

Queensland Police Service will act to protect and support victims of elder abuse. This may include:

• Applying for a Domestic Violence Protection Order
• Investigating criminal offences
• Referring the victim and the offender to support services.

If a crime is happening now, call Triple Zero (000)

If not, think Policelink 131 444

You can also visit your nearest police station.

Elder Abuse Helpline

The Elder Abuse Helpline provides free confidential advice, support and referral to anyone experiencing abuse, suspecting or witnessing abuse of an older person.

The Elder Abuse Helpline is a Queensland-wide program provided by Uniting Care Community and funded by the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.

You don’t need proof to call the Elder Abuse Helpline.  Trust your instincts and make the call.  You can also call anonymously.  Telephone Interpreting Service can be used for non-English speaking callers.

Elder abuse resources

The Queensland Police Service elder abuse brochure provides information on how to understand, recognise and seek help to prevent elder abuse:
QPS Elder abuse brochure

The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit brochure provides information to promote the rights of older people to live free from elder abuse and services provided by the Elder Abuse Helpline.
Elder Abuse Prevention Unit brochure