Cairns Community Legal Centre SLASSS team members Lauren Esposito, Baitha Warusam-Tabuai and Tullita Miller are urging Cape York and Torres Strait communities to be on the lookout for Elder abuse and financial exploitation. Photo: Supplied.
An organisation supporting senior members of Cape York and Torres Strait communities is urging people to be vigilant for signs of Elder abuse and financial exploitation amid concerns it is being ignored in some remote areas.
The Cairns Community Legal Centre (CCLC) is a not-for-profit providing free legal and social support services to those experiencing disadvantage in the northernmost part of the state, with its Seniors Legal and Social Support Service (SLASSS) team offering dedicated assistance to seniors affected by, or at risk of, elder abuse or financial exploitation.
Elder abuse is any act within a relationship of trust resulting in harm to an older person, while financial exploitation can include a range of actions, such as the illegal or improper use of someone’s property or finances, or humbugging, where family members take advantage of an Elder by eating their food, pressuring them for money, and using their house and car without giving any care or support in return.
SLASSS team member and social worker Lauren Esposito said regular outreach visits were undertaken across Cape York and the Torres Strait to provide on-the-ground support.
“When undertaking outreach, both the social worker and lawyer are able to meet with the client together, often at their home, aged care facility, hospital or other safe place,” she said.
“If it’s not possible to meet with clients in person, the team will do their best to facilitate contact in the most accessible and culturally safe way.”
The 2020 Australian National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study found one in six older people living in community experienced Elder abuse, but Ms Esposito said “anecdotal observations and the stories we are told” led the team to believe the incidence of abuse was much higher in areas like Cape York and the Torres Strait.
“One of the major barriers to addressing abuse is the level of shame and fear of reporting that it often carries for victims,” she told Cape York Weekly.
“Working with small communities and taking into consideration the cultural aspect of what family and friends means in a small community makes it more difficult to curb the incidence of abuse.
“In a community where everyone knows everyone, people often find it hard to access our service without others knowing, and there is a very real fear of the repercussions if they do speak with us.”
Despite the challenges, Ms Esposito said the risk to Elders meant the team was committed to providing support and intervention by any means necessary.
“There are so many ways we can speak to and support people,” she said.
“We are a private and confidential service – we will work with the person wanting information from us, and can provide service in a location that suits them.
“Elder abuse can have serious physical and mental health, financial, and social consequences.”
For support regarding Elder abuse or financial exploitation, call the CCLC on 1800 062 608 or the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit on 1300 651 192.
