:format():fill())
The Cairns Community Legal Centre (CCLC) is a not-for-profit providing free legal and social support services to those experiencing disadvantage in the northernmost part of the state.
Its Seniors Legal and Social Support Service (SLASSS) team offers dedicated assistance to seniors affected by, or at risk of, elder abuse or financial exploitation.
SLASSS team member and social worker Lauren Esposito said regular outreach visits were undertaken across Cape York and the Torres Strait to provide on-the-ground support.
“One of the major barriers to addressing abuse is the level of shame and fear of reporting that it often carries for victims,” she told Cape York Weekly.
“Working with small communities and taking into consideration the cultural aspect of what family and friends means in a small community makes it more difficult to curb the incidence of abuse.
“In a community where everyone knows everyone, people often find it hard to access our service without others knowing, and there is a very real fear of the repercussions if they do speak with us.”
Despite the challenges, Ms Esposito said the risk to Elders meant the team was committed to providing support and intervention by any means necessary.
“There are so many ways we can speak to and support people,” she said.
“We are a private and confidential service – we will work with the person wanting information from us, and can provide service in a location that suits them.
“Elder abuse can have serious physical and mental health, financial, and social consequences.”