Police, financial institutions and other agencies are working together as part of a new trial aiming to stop the financial abuse of older people.
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The Bendigo policing area is one of five localities in Victoria trialling the new approach to financial elder abuse, which is the misuse of an older person's money, property or assets without their consent, or where consent is coerced.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrea Turner, from Bendigo's family violence unit, said the trial program allowed financial institutions that suspected financial abuse to link in with police and other support agencies.
She said this provided for more structure in addressing abuse, and meant safety planning could be put in place to secure a person's financial wellbeing.
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Under the trial, police who suspect financial abuse can also conduct welfare checks with a support agency.
Detective Senior Sergeant Turner said elder abuse was under-reported, so it was difficult to measure the full extent of the problem.
"It's very hard to know, because there's a lack of reporting around it... Parents are very reluctant to report offending by their own children against themselves," she said.
One analysis of elder abuse reports in Australia revealed 67 per cent of perpetrators were a child of their victim.
In total, 90 per cent of perpetrators were related to or in a de facto relationship with their victim.
"A lot of the time, the elderly person relies on the offender... So that's what really makes the reporting difficult," Detective Senior Sergeant Turner said.
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Bendigo Bank is one of the organisations taking part in the trial.
A bank spokesperson said the COVID-19 pandemic had further isolated some people.
"In this changed environment, it's even more important to remain vigilant to the needs of the elderly, and our most vulnerable, and to make sure the right safety frameworks are in place to support them in whichever way they engage with the bank," the spokesperson said.
The pilot will run until next year.
At its conclusion, the program will be evaluated to determine whether it works and should continue across the state.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of family violence, contact the Centre for Non-Violence on 1800 884 292 for support. In an emergency, call triple-0.