This paper presents a definition of elder abuse to support research in Australia, and sets out how it was developed.

Each of the five elements that provide the structure of the working definition are also explained. The working definition was commissioned for the Elder Abuse National Research Program to inform the development of data collection instruments for an Australian prevalence study.

The process involved three strategies: a literature review; a series of workshops, focus groups and consultations with professionals and community members; and an assessment of the approaches taken in international prevalence studies.