New policy paper reveals extent of elder abuse, calls for action

Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) has released a Policy Paper detailing 29 recommendations to drive abuse down and increase services to older people who suffer from it.

Published: 21 June 2025
  • nsw
  • 21 June 2025
  • News Hub/Media net

RANSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said the current system is insufficient to protect older people and the NSW Government needs a strong response to the scale of the problem.

“Older people deserve dignity and safety, not abuse and neglect,” Ms Shaw said.

“NSW has an ageing population and an increase in the incidence of psychological, financial, physical and other forms of harm of older people. One in two perpetrators will be a family member.

“We need the abuse to stop, and we need to increase the accessibility of services for thousands of older people in this state who have found themselves in this situation.