Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is hard to define and it has many definitions in Australia. Nevertheless it can be defined as a pattern of behaviour which causes physical, psychological, sexual or financial harm or neglect. Financial abuse is defined as the illegal or improper use of the person's finances or property.

Reluctance to complain means older people have less access to justice and legal remedies through which to resolve a dispute.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse comes in many forms such as the control of the persons' finances and assets through a power of attorney or an enduring power of attorney and the theft of money or assets. Elderly people have also been pressured or forced into changing their will or manipulated into giving their money away.

Psychological Abuse

This type of abuse makes the person feel disempowered and it usually means the person is being treated like a child, with verbal threats which leads to a sense of shame.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can vary greatly from minor assaults to punching or physically restraining the victim.

Sexual Assault and abuse

This type of abuse includes rape, indecent assault, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation.

Neglect

If a person is neglected it means that their career or service provider has failed to provide them with care which has a detrimental effect to the person's health or welfare. A person is being neglected if they are not being provided with adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, hygiene, medication, failure to medicate or over-medication.

Legal Response

There are aspects of elder law which have been made illegal but there are also others which provide little to no assistance. For example crimes such as physical abuse like assault or theft have been made illegal. Things like improper contracts or disputes concerning wills have also been dealt with. If you or your family member is experiencing any of the above abuse of any other it is firstly important to contact the police and then to contact us to help you deal with any legal issues that may arise.

If you would like more information or advice about issues concerning senior members of our community. Complete and submit the Express Enquiry form on the top right hand side of this page and we will contact you to discuss your enquiry  or call us on 1300 QUINNS (1300 784 667) or on +61 2 9223 9166 to arrange an appointment.