University of Auckland - Elder Abuse Risk Assessment Tool
University of Auckland
Sector evidence
Sector body
June 2026
Next review not yet scheduled
New Zealand
Medium confidence
published
SNZ editorial review
Evidence boundary: This record summarises the cited source. It does not establish local availability, individual eligibility, or professional advice.
Short Answer
- WHO (2017): 1 in 6 people over 60 experiences abuse or neglect annually.
Key Points
- •WHO (2017): 1 in 6 people over 60 experiences abuse or neglect annually.
- •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:
Full Summary & Notes
- WHO (2017): 1 in 6 people over 60 experiences abuse or neglect annually.
Open the full summary for detailed notes and source links.
- WHO (2017): 1 in 6 people over 60 experiences abuse or neglect annually. - Most existing tools developed without consulting older people. - 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 - 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.' 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) Dr. Peri is seeking further funding for validation studies. Health providers and researchers interested in participating can contact: 📧
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Document Details & Metadata
Related Resources
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