Watchdog says abuse of elders and adults with disability up 22% in 12 months

The ADC has reported a 22% year-on-year increase in reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people and adults with disability, with 5,864 statutory reports received in 2024-25, up from 4,806 in 2023-24.

Since 2019-20, the number of reports has risen 155%, a jump the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Jeff Smith has labelled "a powerful reminder that abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people and adults with disability is a critical issue that demands our collective attention and action."

In total, the Commission fielded 17,527 calls to its Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline during the year.