There's no excuse for elder abuse

The Queensland Government wants all Queenslanders to know there’s no excuse for elder abuse.

It is a sad reality that cases of elder abuse are on the rise, with more people than ever coming forward to report concerns and incidences.

Elder abuse is any act within a relationship of trust that results in harm to an older person.

Worryingly, financial abuse has been the most commonly reported abuse, followed closely by psychological abuse.

Reports indicate the majority of abusers are close family members — specifically, adult sons or daughters, spouses and other close relations. And because it is usually close family members who have been the abusers, elder abuse is often hidden away and people may be reluctant to talk about it.

This year’s elder abuse awareness and prevention campaign highlighted some of the most common forms of abuse and directed people to support for themselves or someone they know. The campaign also provided information to empower seniors to protect themselves from elder abuse.

Visit www.qld.gov.au/noexcuseforelderabuse for more information.