Strengthening Responses to Older Adult Abuse: A Review of Contextual Prevention Strategies in Australian Policy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Older adult abuse is a significant social issue that has attracted necessary attention in Australian policy. Yet, the scope of abuse prevention strategies proposed within these policies has not been systematically reviewed, nor has their alignment with evidence‐informed frameworks been assessed. Given growing support for prevention efforts that target both individuals and contexts, strategies within 11 Australian policy documents were mapped against Rayment‐McHugh et al.'s contextual prevention framework to assess the comprehensiveness of policy responses to older adult abuse and identify opportunities for enhancement. Overall, a balanced proportion of strategies were identified, targeting increased knowledge and resilience in individuals ( n = 88) and addressing contextual risks to reduce opportunities for abuse ( n = 86). However, most contextual strategies were macro‐focused ( n = 56), concerned with addressing social determinants of abuse (i.e., ageism and social isolation) and enhancing formal regulatory controls. Fewer strategies targeted micro‐level risks present in the immediate environments where abusive behaviour manifests ( n = 30), indicating an area for development. While the scope of identified policy measures is promising, greater emphasis on the situational dynamics of abuse may contribute to more proactive prevention frameworks and policy responses, thus furthering efforts to safeguard older adults.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 2026 · DOI ↗