Research to tackle abuse of older Australian migrants

Edith Cowan University (ECU) has been awarded an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) worth $500,713 to investigate how migration shapes the risks and experiences of older adult abuse in Australia.

Published: 12 January 2026
  • national
  • 12 January 2026
  • Have A Go News

The project, led by ECU Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow Dr Catriona Stevens, will be the first of its kind nationally to examine how migration policy, cultural factors and transnational family dynamics intersect to influence abuse experienced by older migrants.

Dr Stevens said older adult abuse is one of the most serious and least understood issues associated with Australia’s ageing population, particularly for migrant communities.

“Australia is facing a rising crisis of violence and abuse towards older people,” Dr Stevens said.