Approximately 1-in-10 Queenslanders over age 60 experience some form of elder abuse. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, between 2% and 14% of Australian over age 60 experience some type of abuse in any given year, but it is likely underestimated, since only 1-in-24 cases of elder abuse is reported.
Just this financial year, TASC National has actively assisted 137 persons over 65 looking for solutions for social justice matters.
Growing and aging is a natural process in life. As we grow, our bodies debilitate and we not only become more exposed to develop physical and mental deterioration but also to be vulnerable to abuse by someone we know. A family member or a friend can steal our money, threaten us to move out of our house or place us into a nursing home, hit us producing bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment, force us to have sex, cause us distress through verbal or non-verbal acts, neglect or even abandon us.
Elderly people are very important to our society. Like any younger person, they shop, they use services (which employ people), and they pay taxes. They are the ones who preserve the traditional and cultural values of our community. They can provide us mentorship as they can use their experience to assess a situation and give us constructive advice. They also volunteer; in fact, many organizations would be hard pressed to function without their older volunteers. Some of them regularly babysit their grandchildren. It’s time for us to acknowledge their importance and recognise they are entitled to the respect of their communities and especially their families.
At TASC, our solicitors and advocates have been providing legal, social justice and advocacy services to seniors in a large geographic area in South East Queensland for 40 years. We help seniors plan for their safety and protect their money and assets, so they can have the quality of life they deserve. TASC is funded by the Queensland Government to deliver Legal and Support Services to seniors. This free service is available to anyone aged 60 years and over and First Nations people aged 50 and over.
If you live in Toowoomba and Ipswich or immediate surrounds or know someone in those areas who is experiencing any form of abuse you can contact TASC Legal and Social Justice Services on 07 4616 9700.
To learn more about TASC or to make a tax deductible donation, visit www.tascnatioanl.org.au and click SUPPORT US!
