All governments in Australia agree that we must act now to do more to reduce the prevalence of abuse of older people. The abuse of older people is a complex health and social problem that can have devastating physical, emotional and social consequences for older people, their families, and their communities.
The abuse of older people occurs within a complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, community, and social factors. It can be challenging to identify abuse when it occurs, as there is no single type of older person who is at risk, and no single type of person who may cause harm.
The World Health Organisation defines elder abuse as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. Abuse can be deliberate or unintentional. It can occur once or many times. Abuse does not have to be physical – misusing an older person’s money or threatening to restrict access to friends and family can cause immeasurable and lasting damage to an individual and their family. It can also lead to older people needing more help from the health and aged care systems, government benefits, and other services.