Websites
The following websites will assist you in responding to suspected cases of elder abuse.
If you have any questions or suspect any form of abuse is being experienced by a client or patient, you can call the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline & Resource Unit on 1800 628 221 for information, support and referrals.
Financial abuse
Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an older person’s property or finances.
Where to go for help:
| Organisation/web link | Description | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Provides free telephone legal information, advice and referrals, including your nearest Legal Aid office and Community Legal Centre. |
1300 888 529
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| Provides services to disadvantaged people; access to topical information, policies and links, too. Multi-language support for information on legal aid services. |
02 9219 5000
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| Provides free legal advice and assistance for older people. |
02 9281 3600 or 1800 424 079
|
|
| A free government service that helps people resolve disputes through mediation. |
1800 990 777
|
|
| Financial services: consumer credit; banking; debt recovery and insurance. Telephone assistance and financial counselling with legal advice and representation. |
1800 007 007
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|
| Independent and impartial Executor, Administrator, Attorney and Trustee for the people of NSW. Provides direct financial management services and authorisation and direction to private financial managers. |
1300 364 103
|
|
| NSW_Civil_&_Administrative_Tribunal | NCAT look after tenancy issues and building works, to decisions on guardianship and administrative review of government decisions. |
1300 006 228 |
| Delivering a range of payments and services for people at times of major change. |
13 23 00 |
Psychological abuse
(including social isolation; this is sometimes referred to as emotional abuse)
Psychological abuse is the infliction of mental stress involving actions and threats that cause isolation, fear of violence, deprivation and feelings of shame and powerlessness.
Where to go for help:
| Organisation/web link | Description | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Assisting Indigenous people with most types of disabilities, their families and carers when the person they are looking after needs help, especially if they have been unfairly treated or are confused about decision making. |
02 4722 3524
|
|
| For carer information, support and counselling, contact between 9 am and 5 pm. |
1800 242 636
|
|
| Counselling and information services when callers are reluctant to access face-to-face services provided in each jurisdiction. |
1800 858 858
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| This 24-hour mental health connection and referral service is staffed by mental health professionals. |
1800 011 511
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| Aims to protect and promote the health of refugees and people of refugee-like backgrounds living in NSW. |
02 8778 0770
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|
| Offers counselling, family dispute resolution and a range of family and community support and education programs. |
1300 364 277
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| Culturally appropriate and cutting-edge psychological treatment and support to help people heal the scars of torture and refugee trauma to rebuild their lives in Australia. |
02 9794 1900
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| Provides peace of mind to people who are isolated through a daily call to check their wellbeing and safety. |
1800 812 028
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| Helps victims navigate their way through the justice system from the time they become a victim until after post-court process. |
1800 633 063
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| They reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in the community by raising awareness and understanding, supporting recovery, and empowering people to seek help, learn management skills and build resilience. |
1300 224 636
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| The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. |
1800 737 732
|
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| Telephone counselling, information and referrals for women and same-sex partners who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. |
1800 656 463
|
|
| Provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour support and suicide prevention services. |
13 11 44
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| Telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. |
1300 789 978
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| A 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone in NSW who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault and their non-offending supporters. |
1800 424 017
|
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|
24-hour, nationwide service providing telephone and online counselling to people 15 years and over who are suicidal, who is caring for someone who is suicidal, who is bereaved by suicide, and health professionals supporting people effected by suicide. |
1300 659 467
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| Provides free and confidential, nation-wide counselling and support for war- and service-related mental health conditions. |
1800 011 046
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| A free government service that helps people resolve disputes through mediation. |
1800 990 777
|
|
| Australia-wide phone service for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. |
133 677 |
Neglect
(either intentional or unintentional)
Neglect is a term used to describe the failure of a carer or responsible person to provide the necessities of life to an older person.
Where to go for help:
| Organisation/web link | Description | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Assisting Indigenous people with most types of disabilities, their families and carers when the person they are looking after needs help, especially if they have been unfairly treated or are confused about decision making. |
02 4722 3524
|
|
| A free service available to anyone to raise concerns about the quality of care or services being delivered to people receiving aged care subsidised by the Australian Government. |
1800 550 552
|
|
| The commission acts to protect public health and safety by handling complaints about health service providers in NSW. |
1800 043 159
|
|
| Provides acute and primary health to the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities (but is not limited to the local community). |
02 9319 5823
|
|
| For carer information, support and counselling, contact between 9 am and 5 pm. |
1800 242 636
|
|
| Information about local services; assess needs; referrals to specialist homelessness services; support services; and temporary accommodation and other services. |
1800 152 152
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| Information on aged care for yourself, a family member, friend or someone you're caring for. |
1800 200 422
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|
|
Job_Access (Formerly Australian National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline) |
Confidential expert advice on matters relating to the employment of people with disability. |
1800 464 800
|
| If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, contact the Helpline on 13 21 11. |
13 21 11
|
|
| For those who have limited access to face-to-face GP services in the after hours period. |
1800 022 222
|
|
| A helpline for people with dementia, their carers, families and friends, health professionals, service providers, community organisations, students and people seeking information. |
1800 100 500
|
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| Respite options and support services in local areas; links to other services; and they assist carers to access short-term and emergency respite support. |
1800 052 222 or 1800 059 059
|
|
| NSW_Civil_&_Administrative_Tribunal | NCAT look after tenancy issues and building works, to decisions on guardianship and administrative review of government decisions. |
1300 006 228
|
| Independent and impartial Executor, Administrator, Attorney and Trustee for the people of NSW. Provides direct financial management services and authorisation and direction to private financial managers. |
1300 364 103
|
|
| Policy development and advocacy to end homelessness; public education about homeless people and those at risk; information about initiatives and advice; and support for member organisations. |
02 8354 7600
|
|
| Australia-wide phone service for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. |
133 677
|
|
| Directs DVA general inquiries to local VAN offices. |
1800 555 254 |
Physical abuse
Physical abuse involves the infliction of physical pain or injury, or physical coercion.
Where to go for help:
| Organisation/web link | Description | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| A free service available to anyone to raise concerns about the quality of care or services being delivered to people receiving aged care subsidised by the Australian Government. |
1800 550 552
|
|
| The commission acts to protect public health and safety by dealing with complaints about health service providers in NSW. |
1800 043 159
|
|
| Provides acute and primary health to the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities (but is not limited to the local community). |
02 9319 5823
|
|
| Aims to protect and promote the health of refugees and people of refugee-like backgrounds living in NSW. |
02 8778 0770
|
|
|
Job_Access (Formerly Australian National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline) |
Confidential expert advice on matters relating to the employment of people with disability. |
1800 464 800
|
| If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, contact the Helpline on 13 21 11. |
13 21 11
|
|
| Telephone counselling, information and referrals for women and same-sex partners who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. |
1800 656 463
|
|
| Healthdirect_After_Hours_GP_Helpline | For those who have limited access to face-to-face GP services in the after hours period. |
1800 022 222 |
| Respite options and support services in local areas; links to other services; and they assist carers to access short-term and emergency respite support. |
1800 052 222 or 1800 059 059 |
|
| Homelessness_NSW | Policy development and advocacy to end homelessness; public education about homeless people and those at risk; information about initiatives and advice; and support for member organisations. |
02 8354 7600 |
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is a broad term used to describe a range of sexual acts where the victim’s consent has not been obtained or where consent has been obtained through coercion.
Where to go for help:
| Organisation/web link | Description | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Provides acute and primary health to the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities (but is not limited to the local community). |
02 9319 5823
|
|
| Aims to protect and promote the health of refugees and people of refugee-like backgrounds living in NSW. |
02 8778 0770
|
|
| Helps victims navigate their way through the justice system from the time they become a victim until after post-court process. |
1800 633 063
|
|
| If you think a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect, contact the Helpline on 13 21 11. |
13 21 11
|
|
| The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. |
1800 737 732
|
|
| Telephone counselling, information and referrals for women and same-sex partners who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. |
1800 656 463
|
|
| NSW_Rape_Crisis_Centre | A 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone in NSW who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault and their non-offending supporters. |
1800 424 017 |
| Free, confidential legal information, advice and referrals for women in NSW – focus is on domestic violence and Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders. |
1800 810 784
|
|
| Community legal centre providing women across NSW with a range of free legal services. |
1800 801 501 |
General websites
The first snapshot of elder abuse in Australia: http://www.advocare.org.au/news/first-snapshot-of-elder-abuse-in-australia-report-released-today/
Planning Ahead Tools website from the NSW Government is an excellent resource for your patient or client. 'By planning ahead for you future health, lifestyle and financial choices you are able to make decisions that reflect your wishes, values and beliefs. Here are a selection of personal stories that show both the positive impact of planning ahead and the negative implications when plans are not in place.' http://planningaheadtools.com.au/
Family and Community Services (FACS) publications, including the Ageing Stragey: http://www.ageing.nsw.gov.au/publications
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal fact sheets: http://www.ncat.nsw.gov.au/Pages/guardianship/publications_resources/gd_fact_sheets.aspx
Commonwealth Department of Social Services' fact sheet – Domestic and Family Violence: https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/07_2015/pre-departure_pack_domestic_and_family_violence.pdf
Commonwealth Department of Social Services' fact sheet – Sexual Assault: https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/07_2015/pre-departure_pack_sexual_assault.pdf
Commonwealth Department of Social Services' fact sheet – Family Violence and Partner Visas: https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/07_2015/pre-departure_pack_family_violence_and_partner_visas.pdf
NSW Department of Health contacts: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mhdao/Pages/contact-service.aspx
NSW Police online: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/domestic__and__family_violence/elder_abuse
South Eastern CASA – Centre Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence fact sheet – Sexual violence in later life: http://www.secasa.com.au/assets/Documents/sexual-violence-in-later-life.pdf
The Australian Institute of Family Studies fact sheet – The impacts of sexual assault on women: http://www3.aifs.gov.au/acssa/pubs/sheets/rs2/
Electronic brochures
Helping your family financially – Understand the risks http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/helping-your-family-financially-understand-the-risks
Adult children living at home – What to do if you want them to leave http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/adult-children-living-at-home
Moving in the with the family – Make sure you protect your interests http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/moving-in-with-the-family-make-sure-you-protect-your-interests
Are you experiencing violence or abuse? You can make it stop http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/are-you-experiencing-violence-or-abuse-you-can-make-it-stop
Speaking for myself – Planning for later life decision making http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/speaking-for-myself
Who will decide for you if you can’t decide for yourself? Think about planning ahead
Why make a Will – What is a Will? http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/why-make-a-will
Manage your bills for free – Centrepay http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/centrepay