Two of the major themes in this issue of community connect relate to Queensland’s older citizens and our young people.
Young Queenslanders are in the news with the swearing-in of the 2011 Queensland Youth Parliament, as well as the high-energy National Youth Week which was celebrated in this state between 1-10 April.
Older Queenslanders are featured for a more sobering reason. In the lead-up to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June, the abuse of Queensland seniors by someone they trust has been largely unreported.
The state government’s Seniors Legal and Support Service provides free legal advice and support to seniors who are concerned about being physically, verbally or financially abused or mistreated.
What the service’s lawyers and social workers have noted in recent years is that there has been a steady increase in financial abuse.
In this edition of community connect, we present case studies of older Queenslanders who have experienced a significant degree of abuse.
In each case, the service was able to help their client get their life back on track, a task that involved resolving financial and other issues depriving them of a safe home and measure of security.
This campaign extends the Act as 1 campaign launched last year, which challenges attitudes and behaviours that allow domestic and family violence to occur by urging everyday people to take action.
I encourage all Queenslanders to support victims of domestic and family violence. If you want to find out how to do this, visit www.actas1.qld.gov.au or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/actas1
Linda A. Apelt
Director-General
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