New report puts the spotlight on who commits elder abuse

The Australian Institute of Criminology has just published its report on the first major Australian review to look at elder abuse through the lens of the people who commit it. Elder abuse perpetration: A review of the evidence brings together what is known about who abusers are, why they abuse and what might stop them, giving policymakers, services and families a clearer evidence base for preventing harm to older Australians.

While the report covers all the types of elder abuse, the researchers found that financial abuse warranted a special focus: ‘Although not unique to older persons, it is a common form of abuse experienced by them, and financial motivations appear to more often underpin the abuse of older persons than others …’

What the report found

Some of the findings from the report include:

• Abuse is usually committed by family. Most abusers are adult children or partners, typically aged 40 to 60, and many live with the older person.

• Men and women both abuse. Men are only slightly more likely to abuse overall, but commit most financial, physical and sexual abuse.

• Emotional and financial abuse are the most common. Different types often occur together, and emotional abuse is frequently used to obtain money.

• Many abusers are struggling themselves. Mental health problems, alcohol and drug misuse, money troubles and dependence on the older person are strong risk factors.

• Motives vary. They range from overwhelmed carers and financial gain to control, revenge and not recognising behaviour as harmful.

For a more comprehensive review of the findings the research can be accessed below.