Elder Abuse in Australia

Abstract

A review of current elder abuse policy and practice in Australia has found that while most states and territories are taking positive steps to protect and empower older Australians, response to elder abuse at a national level is slow. This has led to gaps in knowledge—particularly regarding the prevalence of elder abuse in Australia—and services, as well as the duplication of support systems. A national approach, based on increased collaboration between all involved with the care and well-being of older people, would make far more effective use of prevention and intervention resources and give older people equal access to assistance and protections, regardless of where they live. This chapter looks at what we know about the prevalence and incidence of elder abuse in Australia before turning to current policies (mandatory reporting in residential care, variations in state and territory policy) and practice (the Victorian model, as well as the role of hospitals, legal services and advocacy organizations) in addressing elder abuse. Current issues and debates in Australia regarding elder abuse are examined, including the diversity in Australia’s older population, protectionist versus empowerment approaches, current research initiatives and the issues raised by the Royal Commission into Family Violence. While there have been some national initiatives including elder abuse conferences and the Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry, the chapter concludes that a strong, national approach is vital if we are truly to address the scourge of elder abuse. Now that elder abuse is being seen as a family violence issue, there is a new opportunity for advocates to further their cause, while also continuing to address the specific challenges of elder abuse such as ageism.