ABC News - Elder abuse advocates push for help, but views on criminalisation varied

After decades of financial abuse, Judy Guyton credits the training she received through an advocacy organisation for helping her stay alive.

What began as occasional requests from her late son for help to cover unexpected expenses — including a cancer treatment — turned into money being used as a tool of coercive control.

"At first, it was domestic abuse, then … it went on to financial abuse and senior abuse," the 86-year-old said.

"It was like, 'If you don't do this, Mum, you won't be able to do that.' It might be that they needed money: 'I'll pay you back. If you don't help us out, you won't see the kids or the grandchildren.'"

When Ms Guyton finally stopped giving in to her family's financial demands, she knew she would be cut off from seeing her grandchildren ever again.

Joining the Older Voices for Change program at the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Tasmania has helped her cope with the loss.

"I don't have many years left. The training has given me a better quality of life so that my last years will be OK," she said.