Elder abuse

Elder abuse occurs when someone an older person knows and trusts causes them harm. It is usually done by a family member.

Elder abuse occurs regardless of gender, race, cultural values, religion or socioeconomic factors. Some forms of abuse might be more serious or have greater impact than others, but all forms of abuse are unacceptable. Research suggests that up to 14 per cent of older people may be experiencing elder abuse. The real number may be higher, because many people feel they cannot speak up.

While older women are two to three times more likely to experience abuse than older men, the proportion of older men who experience abuse is higher than for younger men.

Challenging the decisions and behaviour of a close relative or friend can be difficult for some older people. It is important that older people have support and are able to talk to someone they know and trust. It is also important that they can seek independent legal and financial advice, particularly before signing legal documents such as contracts, so they can make confident, informed decisions.

What is elder abuse?#

Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, usually a family member. It is a form of family violence, and it is unacceptable. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual, and can include mistreatment and neglect.

Different types of elder abuse include:

• physical abuse – such as kicking, hitting, locking in a room, or the use of restraints
• emotional or psychological abuse – such as pressuring, intimidating, bullying, name-calling, or degrading the person, restricting their friendships or involvement in social activities, or restricting their movement in the home
• financial abuse – such as taking advantage of powers of attorney, stealing the older person’s money, forcing them to transfer property titles, or preventing them from accessing their own money
• neglect – failure to provide necessities such as adequate food, accommodation or medication
• sexual abuse

Signs of elder abuse#

Signs that an older person may be being abused include:

• sudden changes in financial status
• malnutrition and dehydration
• poor personal hygiene or dirty clothes
• untreated medical problems
• fearful, anxious or withdrawn behaviour
• unexplained and frequent injuries, such as black eyes and broken bones
• unexplained bruises or cuts on the genitals or anus
• unexplained sexually transmitted infections

Why people may not seek help#

People experiencing elder abuse do not always seek help. Reasons include:

• feelings of guilt and shame
• fear of retaliation
• fear of damaging family relationships
• a belief that aggression and violence is a normal part of family life
• fear that seeking help will lead to living in a nursing home or institution
• lack of physical or mental capacity because of disability

Risk factors for elder abuse#

Known risk factors for elder abuse within a family home may include situations where:

• the older person is dependent on someone else for care
• the carer or family member finds it stressful, or resents having to look after the older person
• the carer is experiencing other types of stress, such as financial troubles
• the carer does not have enough support or respite
• there is a history of family violence within the family
• the carer or family member and the older person have different cultural values
• the older person was an abusive parent towards their adult child
• the carer or family member, or the older person (or both), has a mental health condition or a substance use (alcohol or other drugs) problem

If you are a carer and you need support, reach out to a carer support service. They can help you find the practical, financial and emotional support you need.

Abuse and neglect in aged care settings#

Abuse and neglect can also occur in residential aged care settings. If you are concerned about the care an older person is receiving, you can raise a complaint with the relevant aged care complaints body in your area.

Elder abuse and diverse communities#

Elder abuse can affect people from all cultural backgrounds. There is no evidence that it is more common in some communities, but it may be more hidden because of shame and stigma, language barriers, or a lack of awareness about elder abuse and the options available to people experiencing it. Information and support are often available in a range of community languages.

Never feel ashamed to ask for help#

If you are being physically abused, bullied or pressured to do things by someone you know, or if someone you rely on is neglecting you, threatening you or failing to look after you as they promised, let someone know. This could be a trusted neighbour, friend, doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Confidential services staffed by qualified and experienced people can provide information, advice and support. These may include legal services, short-term support and advocacy, and community education. You can also contact such a service if you think someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse.

If you are in an unsafe or life-threatening situation, or know someone who is, call your local emergency number.

If you are unsure about asking for help, remember that it is your right to feel safe. No older person should be subjected to any form of abuse, mistreatment or neglect.

Key points#

• Elder abuse occurs when someone an older person knows and trusts causes them harm.
• The real number affected may be higher, because many people feel they cannot speak up.
• It is important that older people have support and are able to talk to someone they know and trust.
• The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual, and can include mistreatment and neglect.
• No older person should be subjected to any form of abuse, mistreatment or neglect.

Where to get help#