The Australian Human Rights Commission has called on all Australians to be on the lookout for elder abuse, an “insidious and often undetected problem affecting too many older Australians”.

It made its call as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was marked internationally on June 15.

Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson said elder abuse is now at the stage in public awareness and political consciousness that child abuse was some years ago, and where family violence was until relatively recently.

“Elder abuse is fuelled by ageism and the key risk factors are social isolation and dependence on others for support. The influence of these becomes more critical as we age.”

Dr Patterson said elder abuse is often hidden and underreported, women are more likely than men to be victims, and perpetrators are often close family members.

A free Elder Abuse Helpline is accessible on 1800 353 374 (1800 ELDERHelp), where calls are diverted to each caller’s state or territory for assistance.