New campaign asks Queenslanders to look closer at the signs of elder abuse
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland has launched A Time to Listen, a new awareness campaign encouraging Queenslanders to recognise the often subtle signs of abuse and mistreatment of older people.
A Time to Listen uses six stories inspired by real experiences to show how abuse and mistreatment can develop gradually and may not always look the way people expect. By telling each story from the first-person perspective, the campaign gives voice to experiences that can often remain hidden and helps people better understand what abuse and mistreatment may feel like for the older person experiencing it.
COTA Queensland CEO Darren Young said the campaign was designed to help people pause, listen and look a little closer at what may be happening in the lives of older people around them.
“Elder abuse happens in our communities, but it isn’t always easy to see. “The signs can be subtle. It might be a change in someone’s behaviour, becoming more isolated, not having enough food at home, another person increasingly speaking on their behalf, or changes around money and decision-making. “Individually, these things may not necessarily mean someone is experiencing abuse or mistreatment. But noticing changes, listening and knowing what to look for can help us recognise when something may not be right.”
The campaign follows six different stories, each exploring circumstances in which the wellbeing, independence, choices or rights of an older person may be affected.
Rather than focusing only on obvious or extreme examples of elder abuse, A Time to Listen draws attention to the smaller moments and changes that can be easy to dismiss or overlook.
Mr Young said storytelling was an important way of helping people understand the complexity surrounding abuse and mistreatment of older people.
Each story is accompanied by information to help people recognise signs they may have noticed, reflect on what happened and find trusted information and support.
The campaign will run across Queensland through COTA Queensland’s digital channels, community and sector networks throughout 2026.
COTA Queensland is encouraging individuals, families, community organisations and professionals working with older Queenslanders to explore and share the stories.
Media Contact
Darren Young
Chief Executive Officer
Council on the Ageing Queensland
1300 738 348
info@cotaqld.org.au