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.