Lenka stopped feeling safe in her own home.
Lenka lives alone with her dogs in suburban Queensland.
A few years ago, the man living next door began yelling at her over the fence. At first, she tried to ignore it. But over time, the shouting became threats. The intimidation became constant.
Lenka stopped spending time in her own yard. She waited until the street was quiet before taking the bins out or bringing the dogs inside.
Even after the neighbour moved away, the fear stayed with her.
Lenka struggled to talk about what was happening. She felt embarrassed and ashamed. She worried people would not believe her, or would think she had done something wrong.
So she kept it to herself.
Some weeks, Lenka struggles to afford groceries while managing bills, healthcare costs and everyday living expenses. But when she leaves the house, she still makes an effort to smile.
Most people think she is fine.
But trauma and intimidation do not always disappear when the abuse stops.
Lenka's video
Some viewers may find these stories emotional or confronting. They are inspired by real lived experiences shared with Council on the Ageing Queensland. To protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved, the people featured are digital representations rather than real individuals. Every story has been carefully de-identified while keeping the person’s experience at the heart of the story.
About Lenka's story
Lenka’s story explores psychological abuse, intimidation, trauma and social isolation.
Abuse and mistreatment of older people is not always caused by a family member. It can also come from neighbours, acquaintances or other people in the community.
For many people, the emotional impact continues long after the behaviour has stopped. Fear, anxiety and shame can affect confidence, wellbeing and a person’s ability to feel safe in their own home.
In Lenka’s story, the signs are subtle. They include:
avoiding time outside or in the garden.
changing routines to avoid another person.
feeling unsafe in your own home.
withdrawing from neighbours or community activities.
ongoing fear, even after the abuse has ended.
feeling embarrassed or ashamed to talk about what is happening.
financial stress alongside emotional trauma.
appearing “fine” while quietly struggling.
Why this matters
Many older people experiencing abuse or mistreatment never tell anyone.
They may feel embarrassed, worry they won’t be believed, or fear that speaking up will make things worse.
Trauma doesn’t always end when the behaviour stops. The emotional effects can remain for months or years, changing how someone feels in their home, their community and their everyday life.
Lenka’s story reminds us that abuse and mistreatment can leave invisible wounds, and that a kind conversation or someone who listens without judgement can make a meaningful difference.
Find information and support
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger please call 000 for emergency services. For text-based emergency access (for hearing or speech impairment), call 106.
If these stories have raised concerns for you or someone you know, support is available. You don’t have to work it out alone.
Looking for legal support in your area?
Queensland has a network of community legal centres and legal support services that can provide advice on matters such as elder abuse, financial abuse, powers of attorney, guardianship and other legal issues.
Every story matters
Lenka’s story is one of six stories in A Time to Listen, a Council on the Ageing Queensland storytelling project sharing experiences inspired by the lived experiences of older Queenslanders.
Sometimes, the hardest part is telling someone what’s happening.
Listening without judgement, believing someone’s experience and helping them find support can make a meaningful difference.
Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the older Queenslanders who generously shared their stories and experiences with us. Your courage, honesty and willingness to speak about difficult experiences have made this project possible and will help raise awareness of the abuse and mistreatment of older people across Queensland.
To protect privacy, the stories have been carefully de-identified and recreated using AI technology while remaining true to the experiences shared.
This series was produced by Red Hat Films in partnership with Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland.