Financial abuse support (including elder abuse)

• If someone is in immediate danger, please call the police on 000
• To access 24/7 counselling and support call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.
• To access free confidential information and support call the National Elder Abuse phone line 1800ELDERHelp (1800 353 374).

Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of a person’s money or property. This may include when someone:

• takes control of a person’s finances without their knowledge or permission
• takes control of a person’s finances through coercion
• limits a person’s access to funds
• applies pressure around a person’s financial decisions
• spends another person’s money without consent.

Financial abuse can impact anyone, but often targets and is more devastating for people who are more vulnerable because of their circumstances, e.g. people with cognitive impairment or a physical disability and people who live alone or are financially dependent on someone else.

The abuser is often someone trusted by the person that is being taken advantage of (e.g. family member such as a partner, child or grandchild or a care provider). Where the abuser is a partner or family member, this is a form of family and domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence, please refer to the Macquarie Help Centre article Family and domestic violence support.

Elder abuse is an intentional act that causes harm or distress to an older person. This can be a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, that occurs within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust.

Elder abuse includes many forms of abuse including:

• financial abuse
• psychological abuse
• physical abuse
• social abuse
• neglect (e.g. physical, emotional or medical needs not met)
• sexual abuse.

We understand life can sometimes take unexpected turns. If you’re unable to meet your repayments due to a change of circumstance, we may be able to help. Get in touch with us on the details below so we can chat with you about how we can assist you.

Financial assistance will be assessed on your individual needs and could include flexible payment arrangements, variations or we may allow you to reduce or defer your repayments in the short term. For more information see financial assistance.