The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines abuse of an older person as “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

The National Elder Abuse Report Prevalence Study (2020) documents that 1 in 6, or 14.8% of people over 65 in the community reported experiencing elder abuse in the previous 12 months. Women were slightly more likely to experience abuse than men (15.9% vs 13.6%), with psychological abuse the highest prevalence amongst both men and women at 11.7%, followed by neglect (2.9%), financial abuse (2.1%), physical abuse (1.8%), and sexual abuse (1.0%). Some older people experienced multiple types of harm (3.5%).

Persons most likely to engage in abuse of an older person are those closest to them, such as a family member, carer or close personal or intimate relationships. In 2024, data produced by the NSW Aging and Disability Commission indicated that adult children were the cohort most likely to be alleged to have abused an elderly person. As a result of familial and personal connection, it is likely that abuse of older people is under reported.

On 16th March 2026 the Federal and all State and Territory Governments released the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026-2036 (National Plan).

The key 6 Principles underpinning the National Plan are:

1. Taking a Human Rights approach
2. Ending agism
3. Listening to and learning from the experiences of older people and diverse communities
4. A strong focus on prevention and early intervention
5. Supporting individual decision-making, autonomy and dignity
6. A person-centred and trauma-informed response

We all have human rights including to be treated with dignity, respect, to have our rights protected, and to live free from discrimination and abuse. When these human rights are disrespected or flagrantly ignored, we can create conditions which allows abuse to occur.

The societal attitude of ageism impacts our human rights and is one of the factors considered to contribute to the prevalence of abuse of older people. Ageism may also contribute to the person causing harm failing to recognise their conduct is abusive or amounts to mistreatment and be a barrier to other people identifying the abuse.

A range of individual, familial and societal factors contribute to the complex dynamics creating circumstances for abuse to occur. These can include increased levels of dependency or ailing health, carer substance abuse, financial difficulties, stress, a history of familial or intimate partner violence, lack of supports or social isolation, gender inequality, and other types of discrimination.

Protective factors can include social connectedness, inclusivity, familial support, and fostering self-advocacy.

Consultation with First Nations people identified unique cultural differences in types of abuse because of enduring disadvantage due to colonisation, historical and ongoing trauma, discrimination and racism. There are also differences in their experiences of abuse, for example the prevalence of cultural or spiritual abuse. This can include when services and systems are culturally insensitive or older First Nations people must seek services away from Country such as when living in rural or remote areas.

Older First Nations people can often experience different barriers to reporting including, amongst others, lack of access to culturally appropriate services, and confidentiality concerns when services are delivered by family or community. Due to the connection to family, people may not seek help beyond their family out of concern for bringing shame, repercussions or intervening in another family’s business.

Australia has an increasing population of older people born overseas, currently comprising 37% of all people 65 and over. These culturally and linguistically diverse communities also face specific challenges which include, language barriers, different cultural understandings of abuse, lack of culturally accessible and appropriate services, and other forms of discrimination.

More generally, Australia has an aging population placing an increased demand on services such as residential care and in-home aged care. Additional societal challenges such as the decrease of people living in homes they own and the increase of over 55’s in private rental may place older people more at risk of abuse as the cost and insecurity of rentals places a reliance on social or share housing, temporary accommodation or potential homelessness.

The National Plan recognises the importance of prevention and early intervention, requiring a whole of government response. Prevention and early interventions are required to strengthen protective factors, address risk factors, and reduce abuse of older people occurring.

Older people have the right to have autonomy and decision-making ability unless credible evidence supports otherwise. Dignity of risk for the older person is recognised; we all have the right to make decisions even when that decision may involve reasonable risk. Safeguarding should take the least interventionist measure and least limiting to human rights, in consultation with and tailored to the individual.

A person-centred approach recognises the inherent value of each of us as an individual, and the right for active participation and voices to be heard, with supports tailored to the individual in a culturally safe manner.

A trauma informed approach recognises the five principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. Services must be trauma-aware to minimise the risk of traumatisation. Older people need to be consulted in their journey of recovery and their wishes respected, such as if they want to maintain connections with the person alleged to have caused harm.

We all play a role in moving toward a society which protects and safeguards our older people, and all people. If you, or someone you know, may be harmed in this manner, there are services that can assist:

• Elder abuse phone line 1800 ELDERHelp or 1800 353 374
• Seniors Rights Service – 02 9281 3600
• 1800-RESPECT – 1800 737 732