A national campaign hopes to quash elder abuse across Australia amid reports the often hidden mistreatment is on the rise.
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Elder abuse can involve physical, psychological, sexual and emotional abuse as well as financial abuse and neglect.
The $4.8 million campaign will be announced by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus at the National Elder Abuse Conference in Adelaide on Monday.
From July 28 until early November, a series of awareness initiatives will run across Australian television, online channels and in health clinics.
Mr Dreyfus described elder abuse as a shameful and often hidden form of cruelty and mistreatment.
"It is ugly, it is unacceptable and it must be eliminated," he said in a statement.
Australia's first National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study released in 2021 found one in six Australians aged 65 or older had experienced some form of abuse in the previous 12 months.
Most of those harmed - about six in 10 - did not seek help or advice.
The study did not capture people with cognitive decline or those in residential aged care, with the extent of the abuse likely underestimated.
"These are deeply troubling statistics," Mr Dreyfus said.
"If an older person does not feel that they can reach out for help, then we have failed them."
With Australia's population ageing, the issue of elder abuse had an even greater urgency, he added.
"The Australian government is committed to ensuring that, as well as enjoying longer, fulfilling lives, older people can live free from abuse."
A jump in reports of elder abuse have prompted authorities to ask more victims to come forward.
Last year, Victoria Police said the force received more than 5700 reports in the year to March, an increase of more than 40 per cent over the past five years.
However, experts say cases are often under-reported and it can be hard to tell if incidents are increasing or more victims are finally coming forward.
Australian Associated Press
