Calls to Elder Abuse helpline increase by 40 per cent

SRV is the leading organisation tackling elder abuse in the state. Its helpline registered a 39 per cent increase in calls in the first quarter of this year, the majority of which related to elder abuse. 

The ABC says that a total of 1,371 calls were taken during the first quarter of 2023 — and SRV chief executive Chris Potaris said the spike had tangible impacts.

"This increased demand means that callers are currently waiting four to five weeks for an appointment with one of our casework teams," Mr Potaris said. 

According to the latest figures, about one-in-six Australians aged 65 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. 

Mr Potaris said the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, were the likely drivers of the increase in calls for help.