Elder abuse
Recognise forms of elder abuse-financial, physical, psychological, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect-and discover where to seek help and support.
Summary
We all have the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect, but this isn't the reality for some older Australians.
The Age Discrimination Commissioner advocates for a future where older Australians feel safe and empowered to live with dignity, security and autonomy, free from abuse and mistreatment of any kind.
About elder abuse
Elder abuse can happen in many ways. It occurs when a trusted person causes harm or distress to an older person. This harm may be intentional or unintentional. Elder abuse can also happen when there is a failure to act to support an older person, resulting in harm or distress.
Elder abuse can take different forms, including:
- Financial abuse
- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
No older person should experience any form of abuse.
Elder abuse statistics
As Australia’s population ages, elder abuse is likely to increase.
According to the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study (2021):
- Around 1 in 6 older Australians experienced elder abuse in the past year.
- In half of reported cases, the person responsible was a family member.
- Two in three people who experience elder abuse do not seek help.
National response to the abuse of older persons
The National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026–2036 was released by the Australian Government in March 2026. The National Plan sets out Australia’s 10-year vision to end the abuse and mistreatment of older people in all its forms. It follows and builds on the foundations and progress made under the first National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians (Elder Abuse) 2019–2023.
The Age Discrimination Commissioner has welcomed the second National Plan and is working with the Australian Government, service providers and communities to support its implementation.
The Commissioner’s work
A key priority for the Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM, is promoting the rights of older people to live free from abuse. This includes strengthening adult safeguarding measures, policies and laws.
The Commissioner leads a range of initiatives aimed at preventing elder abuse and improving responses when it occurs.
Current areas of work
Current work includes:
- Leading the establishment of the Financial Elder Abuse Action Collaborative, which brings together banking, financial services and community organisations to improve how financial elder abuse is prevented and addressed.
- Advocating for consistent Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) laws across Australia and a national online register of EPOAs, to reduce confusion and help prevent misuse.
- Supporting collaboration between governments, industries and community organisations to share knowledge and strengthen responses to elder abuse.
- Raising awareness of elder abuse and informing older Australians and the wider community about available support services.
Help is available
If you are concerned about elder abuse and want more information, the opportunity to talk to someone about your concerns, and options for getting help, you can call 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374), the National Elder Abuse phone line.
If you require assistance in an emergency or life-threatening situation, contact 000.
Elder abuse resources
The Commission has developed a range of free resources to raise awareness about elder abuse and provide information about available supports.
Elder abuse awareness video campaigns
Explore national elder abuse awareness campaigns that educate Australians on recognising the signs, supporting older people, and preventing abuse.
Elder abuse resources in 20 languages
Learn the signs of elder abuse and where to get help. The resources have helpful information and a number for support. They are available in 20 languages.
Future planning for older people
Access resources and guides to help older people plan ahead for future care, legal, and financial decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Further information
For more information on national, state and territory activities to respond to the abuse of older Australians, visit the Attorney Generals Department webpage Protection the Rights of Older People.
You may also wish to visit COMPASS – guiding action on elder abuse, which is funded by the Australian Government and brings together the best resources and information on elder abuse from across the country.
