Researchers from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) are calling on LGBTIQA+ people to help them investigate abuse and mistreatment of older LGBTIQA+ people in Australia.
LGBTIQA+ people aged 18+ years are invited to contribute – whether they have lived experience of abuse or not – by completing a survey or, if they are an older person, participating in an interview or focus group.
This research will help Government to better understand the types of abuse that older LGBTIQA+ people experience, the characteristics of those who experience and engage in this abuse, the impact on older LGBTIQA+ people, and their help-seeking behaviours.
Research Fellow at AIFS, Dr Luke Gahan, said the abuse of older people is a significant issue in Australia.
‘The landmark ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Elder Abuse Prevalence Study led by AIFS indicated that approximately 15% of people aged 65+ reported an experience of elder abuse in the 12 months prior – including physical, sexual, financial or neglect,’ Dr Gahan said.
‘Through this current study we would like to explore how this issue specifically affects older LGBTIQA+ people. How do they experience it, what drives it, and what are the characteristics of both the people experiencing this abuse and mistreatment and those engaging in this behaviour? Are the types of abuse experienced by older LGBTIQA+ people different to the general population, and if so, what does that look like?’
