Data shows increased reports about abuse by relatives

NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) and Official Community Visitor 2023-24 Annual Reports were recently tabled in NSW Parliament. 

Calls and reports to the ADC about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people and adults with disability continued to increase in 2023-24, with 17,342 calls to the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline (24% increase), and 4,806 statutory reports (13% increase).

The reports commonly involved more than one type of alleged abuse of the older person or adult with disability. Most often, reports involved alleged psychological abuse, financial abuse and/or neglect by individuals trusted by the adult – primarily relatives and intimate partners. 

Most of the reports were finalised by the Helpline providing information, advice and making referrals for assistance.

However, an increased proportion of reports involved further actions by the ADC, including inquiries, case coordination and investigations. In 2023-24, 973 reports involved further actions, an increase of 26% on the previous year.