Senior Relationship Services
Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service (EAPSS)
Together, we’ll find a way to end the abuse of older people
Overview
The Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service helps seniors who may be experiencing elder abuse, which is the abuse of older people.
This service offers individualised support, counselling, resources, and referrals to protect elderly people from abuse.
Who is this service for?
The Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service (EAPSS) is for people ages 60 and up (or ages 50 and up for First Nations Peoples) and their partners, family members, friends, caretakers, and other loved ones or support people.
EAPSS helps people who may be experiencing elder abuse or maltreatment. This service also provides information, advice, and resources for anyone concerned about elder abuse, such as a loved one who they’re worried about.
A kind and supportive practitioner from Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ) made it a point to call me every day for the next six weeks, checking in on me and encouraging me to move forward.
When I finally relocated from one town to another, this kind practitioner needed to hand me over another practitioner at RAQ with the Elder Abuse Prevention Support Service (EAPSS). We developed a very strong connection and I have been supported by this new practitioner and EAPSS since then.
Step by step, my EAPSS practitioner supported me to connect socially and accomplish any legal matters.
I utilised the free EAPSS legal service, which provided me valuable and important information. It gave me the peace of mind and confidence that I needed to take control of my future again. Nothing has been too big or too small. I am grateful for the practical and emotional support.
After my experience with abuse, I was so shaken that I lost all perspectives of my future. But RAQ supported and encouraged me to establish and reach new goals.
Eleanor
,
Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service Client
How can I access the Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service?
You can contact the Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service at 1300 063 232.
What do I need to know about the Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service?
The Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service is a safe, confidential service that protects older people.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is any harmful act, or lack of appropriate action, carried out on an older person by a trusted individual.
There are six main types of elder abuse: psychological abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse, social abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Unfortunately, when an older person experiences one type of abuse, they are likely to experience multiple types.
We offer information about elder abuse here (link to Understanding Elder Abuse page).
How can I report elder abuse?
We are not a reporting agency. However, we can offer advice and refer you to the right organisation so you can anonymously report elder abuse.
If someone is currently in danger, phone the police on triple zero (000).
You can call the Elder Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice for anyone experiencing elder abuse or if you suspect someone else may be experiencing elder abuse.
Elder Abuse Helpline:
- 1300 651 192 (Queensland only)
- (07) 3867 2525 (rest of Australia)
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Is elder abuse common?
If you suspect you or a loved one are experiencing elder abuse, you’re not alone.
Unfortunately, elder abuse is common in Australia.
1 in 6 older Australians report having experienced elder abuse in the past 12 months.
2 in 3 victims of elder abuse don’t seek help when they are abused.
With an increasing ageing population, Australia is likely to see more incidents of elder abuse over the next few decades, making it an important issue to respond to.
The SRS aims to reduce elder abuse through community education, victim support, and resources for older people.
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a form of abuse in which the abuser exerts power and control over the victim. Older people are especially vulnerable to coercive control, especially if they depend on someone else for care.
We discuss more about the signs of coercive control of older people here.
My situation is complex. Can you still help me?
The Senior Relationship Service often supports clients with extensive trauma and complex situations.
Our qualified, trauma-informed practitioners are trained and equipped to support you when you need it most.
Locations where the Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service is offered
Get in Touch
To contact the Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service, please call 1300 063 232.
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 am – 8 pm
- Saturdays: 9 am – 5 pm
- Closed Sundays and public holidays
