Rates of abuse and neglect across Northern Rivers revealed

NEW data released by the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) has highlighted the prevalence of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability across the state’s Local Government Areas.

The updated community profiles reflect information from 2019 to 2024 and show an increase in reporting to the ADC and a significant incidence of abuse.

The ADC received 837 reports of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older person or adult with disability from the Northern NSW region, with 78 per cent of reports relating to an older person.

Sixty-eight per cent of reports from older people were from women, and 59 per cent involved adult children.

Commissioner Jeff Smith said the data compiled from reports to the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline, combined with key Census data, underscored the need for increased awareness and early action.

“The data provides an important window into the experience of many older people and adults with disability in our communities,” Smith said.

“Abuse, neglect and exploitation, typically by family and other people they trust, is widespread. It is happening in our neighbourhoods, to our relatives and neighbours, and we need to act as a community to address it.

“What is particularly troubling is that these are just the matters we know about. The true scale of the abuse and neglect is hidden as it is not adequately identified, and there can be barriers to the adults themselves speaking up, including social isolation.”

Commissioner Smith said that preventing and responding to abuse is a shared community responsibility.

“It is also critical that older people and adults with disability understand their rights, including fundamental rights that we all take for granted, to make their own decisions, manage their finances, and maintain personal relationships,” he said.

“Staying informed and connected is key to staying safe. This includes knowing who to turn to for support, whether it is a family member or friend, a trusted support worker, a local community group, a GP, or the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline.”

For information and guidance on preventing, detecting, and responding to abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability, visit ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au