The abuse and mistreatment of older people is a serious social, human rights, health and justice problem in Australia. This report provides a nuanced understanding of the nature and dynamics of the abuse and mistreatment experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people and how this differs from the general population in the context of ongoing colonialism and systemic racism and discrimination, together with intergenerational trauma.

Key findings

• 23% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people aged 65 years or older reported experiencing at least one form of abuse, compared to 15% for non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people in the same age range.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people uniquely experience different forms of abuse and mistreatment that reflect the cultural context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the influence of institutions on their lives.
• A range of individual, relationship and family factors, including substance use, gambling and financial hardship, were identified as often being present for people using abuse and mistreating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people.
• Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older people may be at greater risk of abuse and mistreatment in circumstances involving individual, relationship and family factors where there is an imbalance of power or where the older person’s independence is reduced.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, while they vary significantly in cultural practices, language and identities, share experiences of oppression and structural racism and ongoing discrimination that impact their lives negatively and exacerbate and contribute to the causes of abuse and mistreatment of their older people. 

The research identifies strategies and policy responses tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing elder abuse.