Reports of elder abuse by their own adult children increase in NSW

15 June, 2023

Alarming data released by the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) shows a 38 per cent increase in statutory reports about the abuse of older people, with 53 per cent of these reports relating to allegations against adult children.

Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the numbers will continue to rise unless we talk more about elder abuse.

“Most of us do the right thing by our parents but the unfortunate reality is that there are older people in our community who are not coming forward to get help because they are fearful of losing their relationship with their adult children,” Minister Harrison said.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to talk about this uncomfortable truth and encourage older people and those around them to reach out for support or make a report.

“Safeguarding older people from abuse requires an unwavering commitment from government and I am committed to creating a safer community for our senior citizens in NSW.”

NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald said that most of the reports about older people related to psychological and financial abuse.

“Of the reports we received about older people, 40 per cent related to psychological abuse, which includes verbal abuse or preventing access to family or friends,” he said.

“The good news is more reports are coming in from a broader range of people, which is sending a signal that we are all becoming more aware of elder abuse and will not tolerate it.”

ADC 2020 – 2022 data on reports about abuse of older people shows:

• 67 per cent of reports about abuse related to older women.
• Regional NSW accounted for just over half of reports, with the Hunter, Illawarra Shoalhaven, and Central Coast the most common areas.
• Adult children (29 per cent) and paid workers (28 per cent) were the main reporters.

Signs of abuse can include the older person is no longer receiving the services they need to live, they are being prevented from speaking or seeing family, friends or grandchildren, or they cannot spend or access their own money.

Anyone can call the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm) for information, support or to make a report. 

You can also be anonymous. In an emergency call 000.