A specialist seniors’ legal service has strengthened efforts to combat the growing scourge of elder abuse in Queensland, Community Services Minister Karen Struthers said today.
Ms Struthers was meeting with directors and staff of the Seniors Legal and Support Services – which operate at five locations across Queensland – as they gathered in South Brisbane for two days of professional development.
“Elder abuse is an insidious problem that often goes unnoticed in the community, but it’s an issue of growing concern that can have serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of older Queenslanders,” Ms Struthers said.
“Preventing elder abuse is a key priority for the Bligh Government, which is why we’ve allocated $1.8 million to this vital service as part of the 2009-10 State Budget.”
In 2007, the Seniors Legal and Support Services were established in Brisbane, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Townsville in response to an identified gap in the system for the specialist service, particularly as financial abuse of older people was on the rise.
In the nine months from July 2008 to May 2009, the services have supported more than 1000 clients, almost 450 of whom were new clients, indicating more people are aware that help is available.
“The services are staffed by solicitors and social workers, who help seniors in dealing with both the legal and social issues linked to elder abuse,” Ms Struthers said.
“Their work seeks to promote the independence, safety and security of seniors and minimise the risk of further harm and they do a wonderful job.”
Staff help obtain domestic violence protection orders, support people to relocate to a place of safety, provide legal advice, advise people on how to manage assets, and provide advice on appointing or revoking a Power of Attorney.
“Many instances of abuse remain unreported, which can be due to feelings of shame, fear of retaliation or institutionalisation, the victim’s failure to identify the situation as abusive, or even the perception that the abuse is deserved,” Ms Struthers said.
“It can also be due to the involvements of family members as sadly, perpetrators of abuse are most frequently adult children — followed by spouses or partners.
Ms Struthers urged any seniors who felt they were being subjected to some form of abuse or anyone with concerns for an elderly person to contact the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit helpline on 1300 651192.
Media Contact: Minister’s office 3237 0993
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