Elder abuse
One of the hidden harms.
Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person, usually by someone in a position of trust — often a family member. It is one of the most under-reported harms in Australia. Many older people never tell anyone. Many never call this a crime, even when it is.
What elder abuse can look like
- Physical — hitting, rough handling, over-medication, restraint
- Emotional — yelling, threats, belittling, isolating from friends and other family
- Financial — taking or misusing money, pressuring to change a will, misusing a Power of Attorney, selling assets without consent
- Neglect — not providing food, medication, warmth, hygiene or medical care
- Sexual — any sexual act without full consent
- Social — stopping visits, controlling the phone, cutting off friends
It is usually someone close
Most elder abuse is by adult children, partners, or other family members. This makes it especially hard to talk about. Many older people fear that saying something will destroy the family, or mean they lose the people they love.
Telling a helpline does not mean police will be involved automatically. You can just talk. You can get information. You can leave it there if you want to.
Free advocacy and legal help
OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) provides free, independent advocacy for older Australians on all sorts of issues, including safety and abuse. Seniors Rights Services exist in every state and offer free legal advice for older people.
OPAN — Older Persons Advocacy Network
Call 1800 700 600 · 6am–10pm, every day
If you are worried about an older person
If you are worried about a parent, grandparent, neighbour or friend, call 1800ELDERHelp yourself. They will listen and can tell you what to do next — without having to confront anyone or involve police unless you want to.
See all 7 guides in Safety & wellbeing →
From bluetulipco.com/library/safety/elder-abuse — printed 1 October 2026.
General information only — not a substitute for legal, medical, financial, or therapeutic advice. Read the full disclaimer.
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