# University of Auckland — New Elder Abuse Risk Assessment Tool (Traffic Light System) **Source:** [University of Auckland News — 24 April 2026](https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2026/04/24/kathy-peri-elder-abuse-assessment-tool.html) **Capture Date:** 10 June 2026 **Developer:** Dr. Kathy Peri, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, University of Auckland **Funding:** $95,000 grant from Ministry of Social Development (MSD) **Project Start:** April 2025 **Status:** Development phase — further validation funding sought --- ## Overview Dr. Kathy Peri has developed a new **elder abuse risk assessment tool** designed for all health providers to assess risk when signs of abuse are detected. The tool is unique because it was developed **in consultation with older people themselves** — globally, most risk assessment tools have been developed without their input. ### Key Quote from Developer > _"I hope the tool will be used in a timely manner and with empathy, so the older person feels empowered... Hopefully, it will pick up abuse and help to keep older people safer."_ > — Dr. Kathy Peri --- ## The Problem Being Addressed ### Global Context - **WHO (2017):** 1 in 6 people over 60 experiences abuse or neglect annually. - Most existing tools developed without consulting older people. ### New Zealand Context - **Elder Abuse Response Services** received **2,852 reports** from Age Concern in 2022–2023 — averaging **11 new cases per workday**. - **Severe underreporting:** Many older people are reluctant to report abuse by loved ones due to: - Dependence on the abuser - Fear of being placed in aged care facility - Shame and stigma - Not wanting to get family members in trouble - Most common forms of abuse: **Psychological > Financial > Physical > Sexual** - Neglect is also a major concern — family caregivers may be stressed, unwell, or lack knowledge. > _"Some people fear being put in an aged care facility if they disclose that a carer isn't doing a good job."_ > _"They can be dependent on people who both care for them and cause them harm."_ > — Dr. Kathy Peri --- ## The Tool — Traffic Light Risk Severity System The tool uses a **traffic light system** with three risk levels: | Colour | Risk Level | Action Required | | ------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | 🔴 **Red** | Highest risk | Police intervention required | | 🟠 **Orange** | Moderate risk | More support and monitoring at home needed | | 🟢 **Green** | Lower risk | Person appears safe; continued monitoring by health professionals | ### Two Assessment Sections **Section 1:** Assessing the person suspected of causing harm **Section 2:** Assessing the older person who may be suffering abuse or neglect ### Risk Factors for Perpetrators (Section 1) - Current financial struggles - Attitude and relationship problems - Aggression - History of drug/alcohol abuse or violence - Past history of experiencing abuse themselves ### Who Perpetrators May Include - Children of the older person - Children's partners - Friends - Paid caregivers - Scammers --- ## Development Process 1. **Focus groups** with field workers across North and South Islands 2. **Two surveys** to refine the tool 3. **Cultural section** co-developed with **Tia Dawes**, Director of the James Henare Research Centre 4. **Older people's input** via **Professor Ngaire Kerse** (GP, Director of Centre for Co-created Ageing Research) — focus group with older people 5. Built on prior MSD-funded research: _Review of screening and assessment tools for abuse of older people_ (Peri & Hayman, Feb 2024) --- ## Potential Applications - Daily use by health providers (GPs, nurses, social workers, aged care staff) - Data collection to understand abuse and neglect patterns across NZ - Early intervention to prevent escalation - Consistent national approach to risk assessment > _"The tool could also be used to collect data, so we can see what's happening with people who are being neglected or abused across the whole motu."_ > — Dr. Kathy Peri --- ## Next Steps Dr. Peri is seeking further funding for **validation studies**. Health providers and researchers interested in participating can contact: 📧 k.peri@auckland.ac.nz --- ## Precursor Research This tool builds directly on a prior MSD-commissioned review: > **Review of screening and assessment tools for abuse of older people** (February 2024) > By: Kathy Peri and Karen Hayman, School of Nursing, University of Auckland > Components: Systematic literature review + interviews with practitioners/clinicians > [Download PDF](https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/family-and-sexual-violence/review-of-screening-and-assessment-tools-for-abuse-of-older-people-february-2024.pdf) --- ## Cross-References | KB Resource | Location | | ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | MSD Prevention of Abuse Work Programme | `08_Elder_Abuse_and_Advocacy` — see Findings Prompt 31 | | Age Concern NZ — Elder Abuse Information | `08_Elder_Abuse_and_Advocacy/2026 - Age Concern NZ - Web Capture - Elder Abuse Information.md` | | Elder Abuse Topic Map — Warning Signs & Help Pathways | `08_Elder_Abuse_and_Advocacy/2026 - Elder Abuse Topic Map - Warning Signs Financial Abuse and Help Pathways.md` | | MSD Work Programme (full) | [MSD website](https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/family-and-sexual-violence/prevention-of-abuse-of-older-people.html) | --- ## Support Contacts - **Elder Abuse Response Service (24/7):** 0800 32 668 65 - **Text:** 5032 - **Email:** support@elderabuse.nz - **Emergency:** 111 --- _This resource provides fact-based information about a new elder abuse assessment tool in development. It is not a substitute for professional advice or emergency services._