What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is any act within a relationship of trust which results in harm to an older person. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, physical or sexual, cultural or spiritual abuse, or neglect.
Many people do not discuss their concerns with others because of feelings of shame, fear of retaliation, the involvement of family members or fear they will be institutionalised. Some people may not realise what they are experiencing is abuse or feel that somehow it is their fault.
Elder abuse is:
- More common than you think. 1 in 6 older Australians report experiencing abuse.
- Close to home. Perpetrators are often in the family, most commonly adult children.
- Hidden and underreported. Almost two thirds of older people don't seek help when they are abused (61%).
Source: National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study: Final Report, December 2021
Forms of elder abuse
Elder abuse can take many forms, and sometimes several forms of abuse can be experienced at the same time, including:
Psychological or emotional abuse is an act that causes emotional pain, anguish or distress to an older person. It includes, but is not limited to, insults or threats, humiliation or disrespect and demeaning and controlling behaviours such as confining or isolating the older person.
Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviour used by a perpetrator to dominate, manipulate, and control an older person, often through fear, intimidation, and psychological tactics.
Forcing someone to become isolated by restricting their access to others including family, friends or services. This can be used to prevent others from finding out about the abuse.
Financial abuse is the deliberate exploitation, misuse or theft of an older person's money, property or assets. It includes, but is not limited to, using finances without permission, using a legal document such as an enduring power of attorney for purposes contrary to the wishes of the older person, withholding care for financial gain, and selling or transferring property against the older person's wishes or without the person's knowledge. This includes the emerging issue of inheritance impatience.
Physical abuse is an act that causes physical pain or injury to an older person. It includes, but is not limited to, actions such as hitting, pushing or kicking.
Inappropriate use of drugs or physical restraints is also an example of physical abuse.
Sexual abuse is any sexual behaviour performed without an older person's consent. It includes sexual contact and non-contact acts of a sexual nature that cause an older person to feel uncomfortable or threatened or cause physical hurt.
Neglect is the failure of a carer, or other responsible person, to meet an older person's basic needs such as food, housing and essential medical care. It includes, but is not limited to, providing inadequate food, drink or supervision, isolating the older person, allocating medication inappropriately and failing to meet physical needs (e.g. in relation to hygiene and skin care).
Cultural or spiritual abuse involves using an older person's cultural or spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof) to control, intimidate, or isolate them. It includes denying their cultural identity, values, or practices, such as restricting access to worship, preventing connection with cultural or spiritual activities.
Signs of elder abuse
If you suspect an older person is being subjected to elder abuse, pay close attention and see if you can identify any of the signs or behaviour changes* below.
If you suspect elder abuse is happening, don't wait for proof. Call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 for free, confidential advice and referral.
- The person may disclose injuries or physical pain that do not match the explanation provided.
- They might appear hypervigilant, fearful of someone in the house, or show anxious responses.
- There may be past or present domestic violence orders against someone in their family or household.
- The person may express a fear of being touched.
- The person may talk about feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or depression.
- They might mention increased family conflict or dysfunction.
- They could describe a loss of interest in self-care or decreased interest in or access to social contacts.
- They may report disrupted sleep patterns, changes in appetite, or express fearfulness.
- The person may report being isolated by someone from friends, family, or community groups, including from grandchildren.
- They might have been relocated far away from their social networks.
- They could have withdrawn from hobbies or social activities.
- The person may reveal that someone is withholding their mail, phone or other forms of communication.
- The person may lack money for basic needs like food or medication or seem unaware of their financial situation.
- They might have signed legal documents (e.g. property transfers or decision-making documents) without understanding them.
- The person might feel pressured by family members to provide financial support, sell property, or act as a guarantor for loans.
- The person may share that they are over-medicated or under-medicated.
- They might mention being left alone or unattended despite requiring care.
- They could show signs of inadequate care, such as poor personal hygiene, malnutrition or appearing unkempt.
- The person may indicate they are not receiving necessary medical or dental care or support.
- The person may not be allowed to attend their place of worship.
- For culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the person might be prevented from using their preferred language.
- For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, they might be prevented from visiting or returning to Country.
Elder Abuse Helpline
Free, anonymous and confidential assistance, 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.
- 1300 651 192 (Queensland only)
- (07) 3867 2525 (rest of Australia)
This helpline is funded by the Queensland Government and operated by UnitingCare Community.
An experienced and trained operator will talk to you about your concerns and provide referrals to the relevant support services.
In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
Visit help and support for a full list of help and confidential advice.