Elder abuse crisis as vulnerable seniors fear living with their abusers

Many of the victims are living with their abusers - 63.9 per cent of cases reported to UnitingCare's Elder Abuse Prevention Unit helpline during the 2022/23 financial year.

Yet the victims, who often only report the abuse when they reach breaking point, consistently ask for help for those abusing them, fearing what will happen to the perpetrator (homelessness or financial distress) as a result of the report.

UnitingCare's Elder Abuse Prevention Unit helpline received 2652 abuse reports in the 2022/23 financial year, a 13.4 per cent increase on the previous year.

But what is particularly concerning elder abuse advocates is the steep increase in the number of perpetrators living with their victims - a staggering 69.9 per cent increase over the past five years.

"The double whammy of cost of living pressures and the housing crisis present many challenges for the community," said Luke Lindsay, General Manager of UnitingCare's Wellbeing Services.

"We know from the Year In Review data that key barriers to change are that the older person is fearful of losing that relationship with their son or daughter, or believing the perpetrator could become homeless if they speak up.

"They want the abuse to stop, but are afraid to take action that may result in negative consequences for perpetrators."

Mr Lindsay said elder abuse can go hidden for months or even years, and has devastating repercussions for the victim especially as most victims experience more than one type of abuse at any given time.

The helpline data has shown the most common types of abuse reported were psychological (74.8 per cent), financial (64.7 per cent), and neglect (24.7 per cent) in about 75 per cent of cases the abuser was a son or daughter and the most common age was 50 - 54.

Eight victims was more than 100-years-old, 71 victims were aged 95-100 and 235 were aged 90-94. The age range with the highest number of cases was 80-84 with 425 reports of abuse.

Cases of neglect have also steadily increased over the past five years. Signs of neglect can range from poor hygiene, unusual weight loss or malnutrition, unsanitary or unsafe living conditions and a delay between injury or illness and receiving medical care.

The 2022/23 data also shows 13 elderly people were sexually assaulted, including rape, attempted rape, coercion, unwanted touch and unwelcome exposure to pornography.

Among reasons why the abused person is unwilling to report abuse is to protect the perpetrator and the relationship, fear of further harm, impact on the relationships with others, available resources, shame or stigma and individual vulnerabilities.

"Elder abuse is an issue we can't ignore and it takes a whole of community approach to stand up against the issue," said Mr Lindsay.

"Know the signs of elder abuse, check on the wellbeing of older relatives and don't hesitate to contact the Elder Abuse Helpline if there are any concerns."

Seniors Minister Charis Mullen also urged people to report elder abuse suspicions. "You could be a postie, you could be a next-door neighbour. If you have an inkling that something may be wrong-check up on that individual and raise the alarm."

The EAPU Helpline 1300-651-192 is a free support service available to anyone who may be experiencing elder abuse or has concerns about an older person.

For help in a state other than Queensland call the National Elder Abuse Helpline 1800-353-374.

If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).