10/06/2026
Physical elder abuse is any act that causes harm or injury to an older person, or puts their safety at risk.
It can include visible injuries such as bruises, burns, cuts or marks on the body, including the mouth, eyes or ears. It may also involve broken or healing bones, pain when touched, or injuries that don’t match the explanation of how they happened.
Sometimes the signs are more subtle. This can include repeated unexplained injuries, signs of being shaken, grabbed or hit, or changes that suggest fear around physical contact. In some cases, a person may also visit different doctors or hospitals without a clear reason.
Physical elder abuse is often carried out by someone the person knows and trusts.
Prevention starts with awareness, respect and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, support is available.
WA Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 724 679
Visit our website to learn more about addressing elder abuse: https://advocare.org.au/elder-abuse/addressing-elder-abuse/