Report
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National Elder Abuse Research Program: the abuse and mistreatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and/or asexual (LGBTIQA+) older people
Final report
Daisy Smith, Luke Gahan, Rachel Moody, Maggie Wozniak, Beth McCann, Arielle Donnelly
Publisher
Social disadvantage
Older people
LGBTIQ+
Elder abuse
Australia
Resources
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 The abuse and mistreatment of LGBTIQA+ older people
|
3.05 MB |
|
The abuse and mistreatment of LGBTIQA+ older people (appendices)
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532.67 KB |
|
Research snapshot
|
930.34 KB |
Description
The abuse and mistreatment of older people is a serious social, human rights, health and justice problem in Australia. This report provides an overview of the forms of abuse and mistreatment experienced by LGBTIQA+ older people.
Key findings
- LGBTIQA+ older people reported higher rates of abuse and mistreatment (21%–27%) than the 15% of people aged 65 years or older in the general population.
- More than one-in-three (36%) LGBTIQA+ older people reported experiencing at least 1 of the 6 identified types of abuse and mistreatment in the 12 months preceding the survey.
- Just over half (51%) of LGBTIQA+ survey participants who reported experiencing abuse or mistreatment indicated that those engaging in such behaviour had one or more personal issues (such as mental health, alcohol and drugs or gambling).
- The reported effects of abuse and mistreatment were far-reaching and devastating, including isolation, disconnection from social and family relationships and adverse health and wellbeing outcomes.
The research identifies strategies and policy responses tailored to the needs of LGBTIQA+ people experiencing elder abuse.
Related Information
Publication Details
ISBN:
978-1-76016-398-3
Copyright:
Commonwealth of Australia 2026
License type:
CC BY
Access Rights Type:
open
Series:
Understanding elder abuse in Australia
Post date:
22 May 2026
