Older people’s preferences must shape our elder abuse response

New research by Better Place Australia reveals that many older Victorians may be reluctant to engage with current elder abuse response systems.

Published: 18 June 2025
  • national
  • 18 June 2025
  • Better Place Australia

The findings emphasise the need for a more balanced system – one that centres on early intervention, trusted relationships, and community-based responses.

Surveying 539 older Victorians, the research found that one in five older adults were unlikely to seek support if they were mistreated by a family member or carer.

Better Place Australia’s General Manager for Older Person Services, Rhonda Withers, said, “Older men may be more likely to report abuse to police, possibly due to having fewer social connections and a greater tendency to act independently when they feel wronged. In contrast, older women are often socialised to keep family matters private.”


Describing the type of support they would prefer to receive, survey participants expressed a strong preference for professional services that focus on advice, resolution and empowerment.