WANGARATTA police are calling on community members to report elder abuse, with new data revealing physical assault is the most common form of elder abuse.
The latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows reports of elder abuse victims aged over 65 has increased 18 per cent in the year to December 2024, with 7002 reports statewide.
Of these reports 1211 were physical assaults.
Senior Sergeant Mick Mannix of Wangaratta police urged anyone who know or suspect an older person is being abused to come forward and make a report to police.
“We are seeing elder abuse often carried out at the hands of someone the victim should be able to trust such as a family member, friend or even a paid carer – and it needs to stop," he said.
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“Whether it's physical abuse perpetrated against older people – such as hitting, kicking or pushing – or psychological manipulation and intimidation such as threatening to put an older person in an aged care home if they don’t do as demanded – the crime will not be tolerated.
“All of these forms of abuse fall under the umbrella of family violence and should be reported to police because any attack on an elderly person or any other vulnerable person within our community is completely unacceptable.
“Local police will continue to work tirelessly to crackdown on elder abuse and keep older people safe.”
Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is often carried out by someone the victim knows and trusts such as family, friends or carers.
It’s a complex crime because it abuses trust.
It is a crime that takes many forms and doesn’t occur in isolation.
Wangaratta Centre Against Violence (CAV) chief executive officer Jamie Chubb said CAV stands with Victoria Police and community services across the state in raising awareness of elder abuse, a deeply troubling and underreported issue that continues to affect too many older people in communities.
"We know from our daily work and conversations that the experience of elder abuse is not limited by geography; this is an issue felt in all communities, including our own," she said.
"Elder abuse often takes place behind closed doors and may involve those closest to the victim.
"It can be physical, financial, emotional, social, or manifest as neglect.
"The signs are not always obvious.
"Many older people suffer in silence due to fear, shame, or dependence on those causing them harm.
"No one deserves to be harmed, ignored, or silenced: if you suspect an older person is being mistreated, if something doesn’t feel right, please speak up.
"Reaching out can make all the difference."
Signs of elder abuse can include:
• Unexplained injuries or frequent hospital visits.
• Sudden changes in financial circumstances or missing possessions.
• Withdrawal from usual activities or increased isolation.
• Expressions of fear, anxiety, or confusion, especially around certain people.
• Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or unattended medical needs.
• A carer or family member speaking on behalf of the older person in a controlling manner.
Victoria Police is calling on people to not ignore the signs and speak up by making a report if they know, or suspect, an older person is being subjected to this crime.
Any information provided to police is crucial to help to stop those causing abuse to older people.
If you or someone close to you discloses, they are a victim of elder abuse, please believe them and encourage them to contact police.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
In non-urgent cases if you know or suspect an older person is being abused and prefer to make an anonymous report, you can do so online via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.
Victorians can contact Seniors’ Rights Victoria on the organisation’s free confidential helpline at 1300 368 821 or visit seniorsrights.org.au for further advice.
