Elder abuse behind closed doors is on the rise

Reports of elder abuse in Queensland have continued to climb, with newly released figures showing more victims are living with their abusers and facing heightened risks of homelessness.

UnitingCare’s Year in Review report on elder abuse reveals the Queensland Government-funded Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU) Helpline received 4,828 calls in 2024–25, including 2,794 abuse notifications. This represents an 8.3 per cent increase on the previous year.

More than 60 per cent of victims were living with their perpetrator, a figure that has risen by 6.2 per cent compared to 2023–24. The report also shows older people experiencing homelessness due to abuse continues to increase, with homeowners more likely to be victims.

Anna Gillbard, UnitingCare’s Research Officer, said the findings point to a deeply entrenched and often hidden form of family violence.

“When abuse is happening inside the home and within families, older people can feel trapped and powerless to change their situation,” Gillbard said. “They may want the abuse to stop, but fear losing their home, their carer or their relationship with their children if they speak out.”

“Victims are increasingly living with perpetrators, and as most cases involve family relationships, it can place older people in difficult situations that reduce opportunities to seek support safely,” she said.

The report found that 74.6% of older people experienced more than one type of abuse, an increase of 5.1% on the previous year. Psychological abuse was the most common, affecting 80.1% of victims, followed by financial abuse at 69.1% and social abuse at 31%.

Homelessness linked to elder abuse increased by almost one-quarter compared with 2023–24, while the number of victims fearful of becoming homeless rose by 159.3%. The most common barriers preventing victims from seeking change were protecting the perpetrator or their relationship with them (52.4%), fear of further harm (43.9%), and individual vulnerabilities (29.1%).

Women accounted for 67.2% of victims, more than twice the number of men.

Gillbard said living arrangements often delayed help-seeking.

“Many older people depend on the same person who is harming them for housing, transport or daily care,” she said. “When abuse is tied to housing and care arrangements, older people often feel they have nowhere safe to go.

“That dependence can make it incredibly difficult to take action, even when the abuse in ongoing and escalating, which makes outside intervention all the more necessary,” they said.

With reports continuing to rise, UnitingCare is encouraging Queenslanders to check in with older friends and family members and to act if they suspect abuse.

“When someone raises concerns early it prevents abuse from worsening or becoming more entrenched,” Gillbard added.

“This allows for greater support for the victim, and the mitigation of any safety risks. Elder abuse does not resolve on its own, and silence only allows the harm to continue.”

She said the findings reinforced the need for a strong community response as Queensland’s population ages.

“These figures are not just statistics – they represent real people who deserve safety, dignity, and respect.

“Elder abuse is everyone’s business, and awareness is the first step towards prevention.

“The EAPU Helpline continues to provide free support for anyone experiencing or concerned about potential elder abuse and we want people to continue to reach out if they ever need to,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone experiencing elder abuse, or concerned about an older person, can contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 or visit eapu.com.au. The EAPU Helpline is a confidential service offering specialised advice, information, support and referrals.