This discussion paper aims to explore the laws already in place to prevent elder abuse, whether there should be a specific crime of elder abuse, and the potential effect of such laws.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, elder abuse affected one in 10 American older adults annually. This study found that one in five older persons in the study sample reported elder abuse, an increase of 83.6% from prevalence estimates before the pandemic.

Just under 40 per cent of people living in Australian aged care facilities experience elder abuse in the form of neglect, emotional abuse or physical abuse, according to experimental estimates outlined in this report.

This report of the first-ever detailed study of financial elder abuse specifically in remote towns and Aboriginal communities, finds that Aboriginal elders are under immense financial pressure, and often find themselves providing for extended family on an individual pension or other income.

The Elder Abuse Helpline provides information, support, and referrals for older people and those who witness or suspect the abuse or neglect of an older person. This report outlines data collected during the 2019–20 financial year.