Key messages
One in six older Australians (15%) reported experiencing abuse in the 12 months prior to being surveyed between February and May 2020.
Elder abuse can take the form of psychological abuse (12%), neglect (3%), financial abuse (2%), physical abuse (2%) and sexual abuse (1%).
Perpetrators of elder abuse are often family members, mostly adult children, but they can also be friends, neighbours and acquaintances.
People with poor physical or psychological health and higher levels of social isolation are more likely to experience elder abuse.
Almost two thirds of older people don’t seek help when they are abused (61%).
Elder abuse often remains hidden, with the most frequent action taken to stop the abuse involving the victim speaking directly to the perpetrator.
Family and friends are the most common source of support for older people who experience abuse.
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