Research on elder abuse in New Zealand

The Office for Seniors is responsible for commissioning and producing a range of research around elder abuse

Since 2023, the Office for Seniors has piloted Regional Elder Abuse Networks across five regions to strengthen community-based responses to abuse of older people (AOP) prevention. The initiative aims to increase the number of organisations confident in preventing AOP, enhance regional collaboration, and contribute to building a cohesive AOP prevention system. 

In 2022, 11 organisations shared $250,000 for elder abuse prevention initiatives. MSD funded a learning and insight review of these initiatives which can be accessed here.

Gathering insights from the Elder Abuse Prevention Fund

In 2015 the Office for Seniors produced the report Towards gaining a greater understanding of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand.

The report was based on the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing. It showed that:

• the vast majority of older people are not at risk of abuse and neglect, but
• specific groups face higher rates of elder abuse – including women, Māori and those who are separated, divorced or widowed.

In 2017, the Ministry of Social Development funded a pilot to use restorative justice processes for addressing the needs of older people who are experiencing harm or significant distress.