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The purpose of this study is to examine perspectives around alleged financial abuse through the (mis)use of Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) documents in Queensland, Australia. Using data from interviews and focus groups with 109 stakeholders and front-line workers from organisations working with older people, this paper applies criminological theories of routine activity theory and the crime triangle to explore how EPAs can create opportunities for financial abuse, as well as highlighting potential prevention strategies. A ‘PRAGMatic’ model of prevention was developed, focusing on enhancing primary prevention, attorney ability, guardianship, and monitoring. Key prevention strategies recommended by stakeholders included a national register of EPAs, further education for attorneys and external consultation in the creation of EPA documents, and regular auditing of financial transactions.
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