Age Discrimination Commissioner: Australia has a long way to go to end elder abuse

Elder abuse is when harm is done to an older person by someone they know and trust, often a family member. It can take many forms, including neglect, financial exploitation, physical violence, coercive control, and sexual and psychological abuse.

According to the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, one in six older Australians experience elder abuse in a given year, but only one in three victims seek help.

Commissioner Fitzgerald said he was concerned by the latest figures from the National Elder Abuse phone line, which recorded 9,085 calls from July 2023 until the end of May 2024 – a 36% jump from the same period the previous year.

“This is a significant increase and a timely wakeup call for all of us...that we need to be vigilant,” Commissioner Fitzgerald said.