A new policy paper released by Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) has revealed a troubling reality: around 15% of Australians aged 65 and over experience some form of abuse—ranging from physical and psychological harm to financial exploitation and neglect.
This alarming figure serves as a stark reminder ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. The report exposes a troubling postcode lottery in support services: access to help largely depends on where one lives. Many elder abuse survivors struggle to disclose their experiences—often because the perpetrators are family members—and services remain insufficient.
Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of RANSW, emphasised the gravity of the situation:
“Older people deserve dignity and safety, not abuse and neglect.”
To address this, the paper offers 29 practical recommendations aimed at governments between now and 2030. Among the key proposals:
- Expand local “hubs” for regional, place-based elder support.
- Train police to identify and respond to elder abuse.
- Reinstate Aged Crime Prevention Officer roles in the NSW Police.
- Harmonise enduring power of attorney laws across states, and establish a registry.
- Legislate mandatory training for attorneys or guardians managing older adults’ affairs.
- Explore elder mediation in family disputes.
- Criminalise coercive, controlling behaviour in family settings other than intimate relationships.
- Guarantee longer funding cycles (5+ years) for frontline service providers to ensure stability.
RANSW’s flagship “Let’s Talk” mediation and counselling service, which has helped over 300 older adults in the past two years, faces funding uncertainty beyond August 2025.
Why This Matters to Disability Connect’s Community Elder abuse shares common threads with neglect and exploitation affecting persons with disabilities—especially where trusted carers or family members are involved. Inaccessible support services, reluctance to report abuse, and inconsistent legal protections place both groups at risk. This policy paper aligns with Disability Connect’s mission to ensure dignity, protection, and robust service systems for vulnerable groups.
