Definitions of Elder Abuse
APEA: WA defines elder abuse as any act which causes harm to an older person and occurs
within an informal relationship of trust, such as family or friends. Other organisations may
use broader definitions, and include abuse that is perpetrated by paid workers in a position of
trust such as accountants, carers, health professionals, real estate agents, etc. Abuse by paid
workers falls outside the scope of this protocol, however, agencies available to assist with these
types of abuse are listed on the APEA: WA website at: http://apeawa.advocare.org.au.
Abuse can take many forms, including financial or material abuse, neglect, emotional or
psychological abuse, social abuse, physical abuse, or sexual abuse. Much elder abuse goes
unreported, but it is estimated that between two and five per cent of older people will experience
abuse. This means approximately 6,000 to 15,000 older Western Australians could be affected.