Elder abuse and coercive control are Australia’s hidden shame

Leading seniors advocate and Advocare CEO, Bev Jowle, writes this powerful opinion piece about elder abuse and coercive control.

Published: 3 June 2025
  • national
  • 3 June 2025
  • Bev Jowle/The West Australian

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in six people over the age of 65 have experienced elder abuse in the past year. That’s 15 per cent of older Australians.

At Advocare, we’ve seen a big increase in reports of elder abuse in our community which is a cause for much concern. This abuse often starts with coercive control, typically over financial resources, technology, or aged care support.