Senior citizens are an integral fabric of our society, yet one in six Australians aged over 65 experiences elder abuse. That is not the most shocking statistic: 85 per cent of elder financial abuse is committed by family, with children accounting for nearly 50 per cent.

These alarming figures are sound, coming from the 2021 National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, the Australian Government’s first national survey and most extensive study into elder abuse in Australia, which surveyed 7,000 people aged 65 and over. 

Today, 15 June, is World Abuse Awareness Day and by reading this article, you are now aware of the Australia’s serious elder abuse problem.

It needs your attention especially because of our ageing population. Australian Bureau of Statistics population projections indicate that over the next 25 years, the number of people aged over 65 will double to about 9 million Australians.

Chief advocate Ian Henschke, of National Seniors Australia, says elder abuse can take many forms – physical, psychological, financial, sexual abuse, and neglect – but financial abuse is the most common.

“Sadly, those closest to them – including family, carers or friends – are the most likely perpetrators of abuse,” Mr Henschke says.

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 per cent).  Elder abuse often remains hidden because the most common way to stop the abuse involves the victim speaking directly to the perpetrator.

“As opposed to scams by strangers, financial abuse can involve a person in a position of trust coercing or forcing an older person to sign over assets or to change a Will or Power of Attorney, stealing money or taking credit cards,” Mr Henschke says.

“Older people fall victim to such abuses because they might never expect a loved one to take advantage of them, can’t stop it, or are too embarrassed to go to the police.”

If you are experiencing elder abuse, witness or suspect it, call the elder abuse phone line on 1800 353 374 – a free and confidential service.

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