Elder Abuse Prevention Unit
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU) is funded by the State Department of Families and operates under the auspice of Lifeline Brisbane. The EAPU provides a statewide service to respond to the abuse of older people with project officers located in Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton and Warwick.
Elder Abuse
The EAPU responds to abuse that occurs within a relationship where there is an implication of trust. Types of abuse can include physical, sexual,financial, psychological (emotional), social and or neglect (intentional and unintentional). Criminal acts by a stranger, self-neglect, or where abuse occurs within a paid service arrangement are not generally considered to be within the scope of this service.
The major service initiatives provided by the EAPU include;
Helpline
The EAPU operates a statewide confidential telephone information, support and referral service for anyone experiencing abuse or witnessing the abuse of an older person.
Individuals can call Helpline on 1300 651 192 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Queensland.
Community Awareness
The Unit also undertakes to raise awareness of elder abuse in the general community. Awareness-raising activities include presentations to older people's groups, and participation in forums. All presentations include techniques that older people can employ to prevent elder abuse occurring in their lives.
Staff Training
The Unit assists staff of organisations that provide services to older people to recognise elder abuse and understand appropriate intervention.
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