Strengthening Support: The Critical Role of Mediation in Addressing Elder Abuse in Australia
Danny Jovica
June 17, 2025
The prevalence of elder abuse in Australia remains a sobering reality, with approximately 15 per cent of older people—those aged 65 and over—experiencing physical, financial, psychological, or other forms of harm. As our population ages, it is vital that policies and community services prioritize the protection and dignity of seniors. Recent policy recommendations call for increased awareness, dedicated funding, and relational approaches—like mediation—to help older Australians feel safe and supported.
In Australia, mediation is emerging as a powerful tool to tackle elder abuse. The fundamental principle behind this approach is to address the underlying relational issues that legal solutions alone cannot resolve. Research consistently shows that older adults prefer processes built around empathy, transparency, and collaboration, making mediation an effective choice to manage conflicts with dignity. The latest push for supportive measures comes in the form of a dedicated policy paper, highlighting the need for more robust services and resources. Among its 29 recommendations are the expansion of local “hubs” to minimise postcode disparities, updated law enforcement training, and dedicated funding to ensure that front-line elder abuse services are both stable and accessible.
Crucially, there is also a recommendation to explore mandatory Elder Mediation for ageing-related family conflicts, similar to the mediation requirements for separating parents. This step would acknowledge the more complex dynamics of elder abuse and affirm mediation as not merely an optional extra, but a core service to resolve disputes when family relationships break down. By involving a neutral party, mediation sessions create a safe environment in which older individuals and family members can openly share perspectives, work through contested issues, and strive for outcomes that discourage future harm.
Furthermore, community programs uniquely tailored to older people have proven highly successful. These initiatives, often delivered through multi-year funding, connect older adults and their families with specialists who approach sensitive conversations around money, care plans, and health needs without resorting to adversarial legal processes. The consensus among professionals is that such services should be maintained and expanded to meet the rising demand, ensuring every older Australian—regardless of postcode—can secure the support they need.
In summary, by integrating efficient mediation strategies into broader policy responses, we can create safer communities for older Australians. Elder mediation not only addresses issues of power imbalance and vulnerability but also helps maintain crucial family relationships—an outcome that purely legal actions often overlook.
If you or someone you know could benefit from professional guidance, we are here to help. Contact us at:
https://mediator.life/contact
Sources
• Ending Elder Abuse in NSW – A Policy Paper (2025)
• Australian Bureau of Statistics: Older People In Australia
In Australia, mediation is emerging as a powerful tool to tackle elder abuse. The fundamental principle behind this approach is to address the underlying relational issues that legal solutions alone cannot resolve. Research consistently shows that older adults prefer processes built around empathy, transparency, and collaboration, making mediation an effective choice to manage conflicts with dignity. The latest push for supportive measures comes in the form of a dedicated policy paper, highlighting the need for more robust services and resources. Among its 29 recommendations are the expansion of local “hubs” to minimise postcode disparities, updated law enforcement training, and dedicated funding to ensure that front-line elder abuse services are both stable and accessible.
Crucially, there is also a recommendation to explore mandatory Elder Mediation for ageing-related family conflicts, similar to the mediation requirements for separating parents. This step would acknowledge the more complex dynamics of elder abuse and affirm mediation as not merely an optional extra, but a core service to resolve disputes when family relationships break down. By involving a neutral party, mediation sessions create a safe environment in which older individuals and family members can openly share perspectives, work through contested issues, and strive for outcomes that discourage future harm.
Furthermore, community programs uniquely tailored to older people have proven highly successful. These initiatives, often delivered through multi-year funding, connect older adults and their families with specialists who approach sensitive conversations around money, care plans, and health needs without resorting to adversarial legal processes. The consensus among professionals is that such services should be maintained and expanded to meet the rising demand, ensuring every older Australian—regardless of postcode—can secure the support they need.
In summary, by integrating efficient mediation strategies into broader policy responses, we can create safer communities for older Australians. Elder mediation not only addresses issues of power imbalance and vulnerability but also helps maintain crucial family relationships—an outcome that purely legal actions often overlook.
If you or someone you know could benefit from professional guidance, we are here to help. Contact us at:
https://mediator.life/contact
Sources
• Ending Elder Abuse in NSW – A Policy Paper (2025)
• Australian Bureau of Statistics: Older People In Australia