Specialist legal and support services to combat elder abuse

A $1.9 million initiative to provide free assistance for seniors concerned about elder abuse, mistreatment or financial exploitation was launched in Brisbane today.

Seniors Minister Warren Pitt said abuse of the elderly was a growing concern, which had serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of older Queenslanders.

“For this rfeason we have established Seniors Legal and Support Services in Cairns, Townsville, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Brisbane as part of a one-year pilot program to target elder abuse,” Mr Pitt said.

“While we already provide a broad range of services and support for seniors, a need was identified for a specialist seniors’ legal and support service, particularly with the increase in financial abuse.

“The Seniors Legal and Support Services will ensure a comprehensive response by providing free access to legal information and advice, short-term counselling, individual advocacy, court support, and community education.”

Mr Pitt said the Seniors Legal and Support Services would build on existing infrastructure and expertise provided by community legal centres and employ a mix of solicitors and social workers.

“Elder abuse is a serious concern — and the Queensland Government is serious about addressing it,” he said.

The most reliable Australian studies estimate that between three to seven per cent of seniors are affected by elder abuse, while the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit has estimated financial abuse losses of more than $8 million in Queensland alone, between November 2002 and June 2005.

“These new Seniors Legal and Support Services will act as a key information and referral point, linking seniors with other legal, advocacy and consumer and support services,” Mr Pitt said.

“Seniors will have access to assistance via centre-based appointments, telephone support, home visits, or outreach to other safe locations.

“The service will also undertake community education about preventing elder abuse, legal rights and avenues for addressing matters of concern.

“The new Seniors Legal and Support Services will make a big difference when they open in early July 2007,” he said.