In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989 protects people from violence and abuse who are being cared for in an informal care relationship.A person who is in a family relationship is also protected by the legislation. The Act does not protect people who have entered into a contract for care with a third party or people who are paying for the care they receive.
If a person is being cared for by a relative, they are considered to be in a family relationship, and are protected regardless of whether they are paying for that care. Elder abuse can include many forms of abuse beyond violence.
A person can be denied economic freedom, access to medical treatment or be subjected to pressure regarding their personal finances.
An elderly person subjected to this type of abuse may not have the confidence to seek help for assistance with their situation.
For more information on Elder Abuse please visit the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit website.
