This independent evaluation finds that the key policy framework for tackling elder abuse, the National plan to respond to the abuse of older Australians 2019-2023, is achieving its aims of uniting governments, agencies and organisations in tackling the abuse of older people.

These reports share key lessons for service providers delivering elder abuse services, advocate for the expansion of integrated elder abuse services, and draw attention to systemic gaps that must be addressed in order for elder abuse to be resolved.

The AIFS 2021 Survey of Older People indicated that 3% of community-dwelling people aged 65 and older in Australia reported experiencing neglect in the 12 months prior to the survey. This means that they had a need for support and there was someone who was meant to provide that support but didn’t.

The AIFS 2021 Survey of Older People indicated that 15% of community-dwelling people aged 65 and older from CALD backgrounds reported an experience of at least one of the five core subtypes of elder abuse and CALD‑specific subtype in the 12 months prior to the survey.

Of the 2% of community-dwelling people aged 65 and older in Australia who reported experiencing financial abuse in the AIFS 2021 Survey of Older People, the most common form of financial abuse is being pressured into giving or loaning money, possessions or property.