“You’re not alone”. Thousands step forward to stop elder abuse in New Zealand

As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches on 15 June, Age Concern New Zealand is shining a light on the growing number of older people reaching out for help and calling on all New Zealanders to take action through its campaign, Take the Step. You’re not alone.

In the past year, more than 3,000 older people or concerned family members contacted Age Concern’s Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention (EANP) services. Each call, each conversation, represents someone taking a courageous first step towards safety, dignity, and a better life.

“Reaching out is not easy,” says Karen Billings-Jensen, Age Concern NZ Chief Executive. “Behind every one of those 3,000 contacts is a person who has decided something needs to change. That step takes real courage, and it shows that support matters.”

Elder abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand often remains hidden, but data reveals clear patterns. Age Concern’s latest figures show that 84% of harm is caused by a family member, with 49% involving an adult child or their partner, and a further 16% involving a partner. While anyone can experience abuse, 61% affected are women and 39% are men, highlighting the need to reach a support all older people.

The data shows that 73% of Age Concern cases involved psychological abuse, 31% involved financial pressure, and 22% physical abuse. Age Concern’s frontline teams work alongside older people to stop harm, restore wellbeing, and reconnect them with support networks.

We are also seeing a number of cases involving self-neglect, where older people are struggling to meet their own basic needs. This can be linked to isolation, declining health, or lack of support, and reinforces the importance of early connection and intervention.

The ‘Take the Step. You’re not alone’ campaign is grounded in these real experiences. It encourages anyone who is worried, whether for themselves or someone else, to take that first step, knowing they will be listened to and supported.

“We want people to know they don’t have to handle this on their own,” Karen says. “Those 3,000 people who reached out show us what’s possible when someone feels able to speak up, and when the right support is there.”

As 15 June approaches, Age Concern is asking individuals, communities, and organisations to play their part: check in on older people, learn the signs of abuse, and share campaign resources to keep the conversation visible.

“Preventing elder abuse is a shared responsibility. When more people take the step, whether it’s reaching out, noticing, or offering support, we create safer communities for older people across Aotearoa New Zealand.”

This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Age Concern network stands alongside local and global partners to ensure older people are seen, heard, and supported, today and every day. There are many displays and events held by Age Concerns across the country, giving people the opportunity to learn more and talk directly with a trusted person.