Elder Abuse Resources
Free resources available to use in presentations, at events, on social media and on your website.
The Office for Seniors works to raise awareness of elder abuse and of the support available through the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) and its free helpline. If you’re interested in raising awareness about elder abuse and its signs, we have a range of resources you can use.
Digital resources
We have a range of digital resources, including email signatures, website graphics, and social media graphics designed for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These are free to use under Crown Copyright.
Download elder abuse awareness social media graphics:
Twitter and other social media banners
Download Elder abuse awareness digital posters
Download Elder abuse awareness email and website graphics
YouTube videos
We have developed a series of short videos on the signs of abuse. These are available on YouTube to embed on your website or use in social media.
Spotting the signs financial abuse discusses common red flags:
View all our elder abuse videos on YouTube
Free printed resources
We have a range of resources available free to order including posters, flyers, and wallet cards. You can order these for your organisation or for personal use.
These include the publications:
- Elder Abuse – It’s OK to help
- You have the right to feel safe
- Financial abuse of older people
- Hidden harm – psychological abuse of older people
- Don’t look away – neglect of older people
Order our elder abuse awareness resources
Research on elder abuse in New Zealand
In 2015 the Office for Seniors produced the report Towards gaining a greater understanding of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand.
The report was based on the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing. It showed that:
- the vast majority of older people are not at risk of abuse and neglect, but
- specific groups face higher rates of elder abuse – including women, Māori and those who are separated, divorced or widowed.
In 2017, the Ministry of Social Development funded a pilot to use restorative justice processes for addressing the needs of older people who are experiencing harm or significant distress.