Elder abuse
6-minute read
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Key facts
- Older people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, wherever they live.
- Elder abuse can occur in many forms, including physical, psychological and financial abuse.
- Staying socially connected can help reduce your risk of being abused.
- If you are concerned that an older person living in the community is being abused, you should call the authority in your state or territory.
- If you think someone who lives in an aged-care facility is experiencing abuse, free, confidential and independent advocacy services are available to protect their rights.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is when an older person experiences harm caused by a trusted person or a family member. It can be a single or repeated act.
Elder abuse can be hard to identify because often the person being abused may feel scared or shameful. They may try to hide the abuse.
Older people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, wherever they live. This might be in their own home or in an aged-care facility.
What are the forms of elder abuse?
There are different forms of elder abuse.
Financial abuse, can include:
- taking control of your finances against your wishes
- forcing or tricking you to sign documents
- stealing jewellery, money and food
- borrowing money without repaying it
Psychological abuse, can include:
- embarrassing you
- preventing you from making your own decisions
- threatening to hurt you or your pets
- preventing contact with your family and friends
Neglect, can include:
- not providing you with food, clean clothing, heating or medicines
- preventing you from getting medical treatments and aid
- not assisting with your personal care and hygiene needs
Physical abuse, can include:
- hurting you on purpose
- misuse of medicines
- locking you in a room
Sexual abuse, can include:
- watching sexually explicit material around you without your consent
- speaking about sexual activities, making you feel uncomfortable or threatened
- rough or inappropriate touching and rape
How can I protect myself from being abused?
You can reduce your risks by:
- staying socially connected — join a club and stay in touch with friends
- maintaining your independence
- staying physically and mentally healthy — exercise daily, eat a balanced diet and visit your doctor regularly
- staying emotionally healthy — ask for help if you are feeling down or anxious
Plan for your future by:
- deciding what you want to happen if you become frail or very sick
- discussing your wishes with trusted family or friends
- getting independent advice before signing legal documents
- being aware of your financial position
You have a right to:
- be safe, protected, valued and respected
- make your own decisions, such as where you live and what you spend your money on
If you feel pressured to make a decision or sign a document, stop and get independent advice.
What should I do if I think someone is being abused?
If you are worried that an older person in the community is being abused, receives care in their home or is in an aged-care facility, there are ways you can report the abuse.
Person living in the community
State and territory governments are responsible for services relating to abuse of the elderly.
You can call the National Elder Abuse Phone Line on 1800 353 374 and get directed to a service in your state or territory.
Alternatively, you can call the relevant state or territory phone line directly, except in the Australian Capital Territory.
- Australian Capital Territory, Abuse of Older Persons
- New South Wales, Ageing and Disability Commission — call 1800 628 221
- Northern Territory — call the National Elder Abuse Phone Line on 1800 353 374
- Queensland, Elder Abuse Prevention Unit — call 1300 651 192 or 07 3867 2525 (outside QLD)
- South Australian, Adult Safeguarding Unit — call 1800 372 310
- Tasmania, Elder Abuse Tasmania — call 1800 441 169
- Victoria, Seniors Rights Victoria — call 1300 368 821
- Western Australia, WA Elder Abuse Helpline — call on 1300 724 679
Person receiving care in their home
If you have concerns about someone who receives care in their home through an Australian Government-funded aged care service (such as a Home Care Package), contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission online or via phone on 1800 951 822.
Person receiving care in and aged-care facility
If you are concerned about someone in an aged care facility, speak with the staff. If you don't feel comfortable speaking with the staff or your complaint has not been cleared up, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission online or via phone on 1800 951 822.
To speak with someone about your rights, visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422.
To find out about the Aged Care Quality Standards, which apply to facilities that receive a subsidy from the government, visit the Aged Quality and Safety Commission website.
Resources and support
- Carer Gateway for carer support online or by calling 1800 422 737.