Elder abuse reports are rising. Age Discrimination Commissioner says the government must do more

The abuse that 81-year-old Francene experienced began with a series of small acts. "Sometimes people start off just by taking a bit of money out of mum's account to pay for petrol and things because they're doing, or they think they're doing, more than their brother or sister who lives interstate or who doesn't care as much about their parent," Dr Patterson explains. Eighty-three-year-old Sarah's* bank account took a hit, "but it also hurt" emotionally, when she experienced financial elder abuse. 'Dragging our heels' on legislation Educating people about plans they can put in place to prevent or stop elder abuse is hindered by rules that differ between the states and territories, Dr Patterson says. 'Help is out there' Francene, who believes emotional abuse is a misunderstood form of elder abuse, has distanced herself from her abusive relative and says it's "the best decision I've ever made in my life".