What’s crime got to do with it: Applying criminological theories to understand and prevent financial abuse of older adults
Emily Moir

Date and Time

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Theme / Track

Policy, advocacy, planning and change

Presentation Format

Concurrent

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.

Keywords

Education and Training, Elder Abuse, Evidence Based Policy, Future Directions

Authors

Kaleb Marcinkowski, University of the Sunshine Coast
Barbara Blundell, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University
Joseph Clare, University of Western Australia