Calls for more elder abuse support services as reports climb in Queensland

Maria (not her real name) stood shivering outside her home for hours on a winter's day after she was kicked out by an abusive son-in-law and had her belongings dumped on the driveway.

The then-72-year-old had nowhere to go, anxiously waiting for help from police, who she called three times.

It was 2022, and Maria lived at a property in Brisbane she co-owned with her 35-year-old daughter, who then moved in with her would-be husband.

While Maria knew he was "hot-headed", she never anticipated the violence that would be brought into her home.

"They started breaking the door to the other room because he wanted to make a big ensuite," Maria said.

"And while I'm asleep, he just kept banging on the wall."