World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June is a chance to raise awareness of the many types of abuse that older people experience. Join us to stand against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people in all its forms.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is a reality in our homes and communities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines elder abuse as any single or repeated act or lack of action that causes harm or distress to an older person in a relationship where there’s an expectation of trust.
Elder abuse is a serious problem in Australia and it needs our attention. The ABS population projections show that over the next 25 years the number of people over 65 will double to around 9 million Australians.
Key Facts
- 1 in 6 older Australians reported experiencing abuse in the previous 12 months
- Poor physical or psychological health and higher levels of isolation are more likely to lead to elder abuse
- Almost two thirds of older people don’t seek help when they’re abused (61%)
- Family and friends are the most common source of support for older people who experience abuse but they are also too often responsible for the abuse
- 14,541 reports to the Ageing and Disability Commission about older people, a 108% (two-fold) increase over five years
- The most common reported type of alleged abuse of older people to the Ageing and Disability Commission was psychological (39%), financial abuse (29%) and neglect (21%)
Types of Elder Abuse
There are many different ways that older people can be mistreated. The National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians (2019-2023) lists five common forms of abuse:
- financial
- emotional/psychological
- physical
- sexual
- neglect
It’s important to note that abuse can be a mix of these types, intentional or unintentional, one-time or repeated and carried out by someone known to the older person like a family member, friend, professional or caregiver.
No older person should be subjected to any form of abuse.
If you are unsure about asking for help, remember, it is your right to feel safe. No person should be subjected to any form of abuse, mistreatment or neglect. Elder abuse is a form of violence and it is unacceptable.
Ageism
Ageism can include how we think (stereotypes), how we feel (prejudice), and how we act (discrimination) towards people based on their age. Ageism may be more prevalent and socially accepted than sexism and racism, yet the least understood. Ageism is not harmless and its existence contributes to the prevalence of abuse of older people. Ageism has serious and wide ranging consequences for our health and wellbeing. It can lead to poorer physical and mental health, increased social isolation and loneliness, financial insecurity, decreased quality of life and even premature death.
Learn more about the Global Campaign to Combat Ageism
Signs of elder abuse may include:
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malnutrition and dehydration
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poor personal hygiene or dirty clothes
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untreated medical problems
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fear, depression or low mood, confusion, feeling of helplessness
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unexplained and frequent injuries such as black eyes and broken bones
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unexplained sexually transmitted infections
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missing belongings
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not having money for basics (food, clothing, transport and bills)
In Australia, the reporting of elder abuse is increasing. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found serious issues in residential aged care. But abuse also happens outside of institutional settings, as shown in the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study released in December 2021 by the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, call our experienced team on 1800 424 079
More Resources
https://ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au/tools-and-resources/for-the-community.html
https://seniorsrightsservice.org.au/information/elder-abuse/
https://humanrights.gov.au/elderabuse
Information sources
ADC data collected 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024
The National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, Feb 9, 2022
No person should be subjected to any form of abuse, mistreatment or neglect. Elder abuse is a form of violence, and it is unacceptable.
