Help and support

If an older person is in clear and present danger of harm, call triple zero (000).

There's no shame in seeking help. When you call the Elder Abuse Helpline or any of the other secure and confidential services, trained staff can talk through your concerns in a safe, respectful, confidential conversation that can help you with advice about your situation and provide information about other help available. All of this is done on your own terms.

Elder Abuse Helpline

Free, anonymous and confidential assistance, 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday

• 1300 651 192 (Queensland only)
• (07) 3867 2525 (rest of Australia)

This helpline is funded by the Queensland Government and operated by UnitingCare Community.

An experienced and trained operator will talk to you about your concerns and provide referrals to the relevant support services.

For more information visit the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit website.

Legal and social support services

Services are available across Queensland to provide social support and legal advice to people who have experienced elder abuse.

The services can assist you with:

• legal information and advice
• social work services
• short-term counselling
• advocacy on your behalf
• a referral to other legal, consumer and support services
• representation in court or before tribunals (in certain circumstances).

Some examples of how they can help you:

• obtaining domestic violence protection orders
• developing safety plans
• support you to relocate to a place of safety
• advice on appointing or revoking a power of attorney
• information on protective strategies to manage your assets and prevent or stop financial abuse
• advocacy and negotiation on your behalf if you are a resident of a retirement village experiencing unfair contract terms and conditions
• advising on recovery of property or money following elder abuse or financial exploitation.

You can get help by phone, appointment at a service centre or, where possible, they can visit you in your home or another safe location.

Visit legal services for a full list of services in your area.

Office of the Public Guardian

The Office of the Public Guardian can investigate allegations of abuse, exploitation and neglect of older people with impaired decision-making capacity to determine if their decision-making arrangements are adequate and appropriate, or whether a decision-maker needs to be appointed or replaced. Call 1300 653 187 (9am–4pm, Monday to Friday, local call cost).

Public Trustee

The Public Trustee provides a range of services to Queenslanders including will making, enduring powers of attorney, executor and financial administration services at 15 offices across the state. To make an appointment, visit the Public Trustee website or call 1300 360 044.

Other confidential advice and support services

• Seniors Inquiry Line: 1300 135 500 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday)
• Legal Aid Queensland: 1300 651 188 (8.30am–4.30pm, Monday to Friday)
• DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
• DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636 (9am–midnight, 7 days a week)
• Aged and Disability Advocacy (ADA) Australia: 1800 700 600 (9am–4pm, Monday to Friday)
• Statewide sexual assault helpline: 1800 010 120 (7.30am–11.30pm, 7 days a week)
• VictimConnect: 1300 318 940 (24 hours, 7 days a week).