Cost of living: abusers moving into homes of elderly relatives

Old people are being abused at shocking levels as increasing numbers of family or friend offenders are beset by twin crises.

Older Queenslanders are being abused at shocking levels by family and friends who are moving into their homes due to the cost-of-living and housing crises.

In five years, there has been a staggering 69.9 per cent increase in the number of elder abuse victims living with their abusers, the Queensland government-funded Elder Abuse Prevention Unit Helpline has revealed.

And the elderly victims are scared to speak out in case their abusers end up homeless.

The stark figures will be released on Wednesday in UnitingCare’s latest Year in Review report.

UnitingCare’s wellbeing services general manager Luke Lindsay said that even those victims who do report abuse are now often likely to request support for their abusers.

In the financial year 2022-23 the EAPU helpline received 2652 abuse notification calls — up 13.4 per cent from the previous financial year.

“The double whammy of cost of living pressures and the housing crisis present many challenges for the community,” Mr Lindsay said.

“We know from the Year in Review data that key barriers to change are that the older person is fearful of losing that relationship with their son or daughter, or believing the perpetrator could become homeless if they speak up.

“They want the abuse to stop but are afraid to take action that may result in negative consequences for perpetrators.”

The most common type of abuse reported was psychological, followed by financial and then neglect.

Cases of neglect have been steadily rising since 2018-19.

“Neglect is one of the abuse types that is most hidden, so we need people to look out for it. Often, the people experiencing neglect may not have the ability to report it, or leave the property, which means there as an added layer of vulnerability,” Mr Lindsay said.

“And this is where a whole-of-community approach comes into it.

“You could be a postie, you could be a next-door neighbour.

“If you have an inkling that something may be wrong, check up on that individual and raise the alarm.”

Signs of neglect can range from poor hygiene, unusual weight loss or malnutrition, unsanitary or unsafe living conditions and a delay between injury or illness and receiving medical care.

Seniors Minister Charis Mullen welcomed the report, saying increased reporting was shining a light on a type of abuse that had been hidden for too long.

“Elder abuse is a form of coercive control that can lead to family and domestic violence,” she said.

“Building on our successful responses to domestic violence, the Miles government is increasing its investment in strategies and services to ensure older Queenslanders feel safe and more connected with their community.

“This includes an investment of $8.6m in elder abuse awareness, prevention and intervention, which delivers critical community services,” she said.

For support contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 or visit the EAPU website.