Minister calls on Queenslanders to help end elder abuse

Queenslanders are being urged to help end the abuse and neglect of older people as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day tomorrow (Friday 15 June).

Seniors Minister Warren Pitt said elder abuse was an issue that was mostly hidden and the awareness day was a chance for everyone to speak out.

“The Queensland Government will not tolerate the abuse of some of our most vulnerable citizens and fully supports the message behind World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Department of Communities has been developing and funding a range of initiatives targeting elder abuse for many years and we will continue this fight for as long as necessary.”

Mr Pitt said among the initiatives the department was working on to protect older people and stamp out elder abuse were:
• the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit
• the Seniors Advocacy Information and Legal Service
• the $1.9 million, one-year Seniors Legal and Support Services pilot program.

“Elder abuse can take on many different forms, including physical, sexual, financial, psychological or social abuse,” he said.

“Sadly, older people often experience abuse from those closest to them such as family members, people they trust or informal carers.

“Current research indicates that between 3 and 5 per cent of older people will experience some form of abuse – this trend has to be stopped.”

The Department of Communities is marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day tomorrow with a forum in Brisbane for representatives of seniors’ organisations and service providers, to discuss best-practice responses and to raise awareness and increase understanding of elder abuse.

Mr Pitt said the department had also provided in-kind support for an event in Cairns designed to raise community awareness of elder abuse.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280