The document, commissioned by the state’s Public Advocate, has revealed that elderly Aborigines are often subject to mistreatment by members of their own families.
“That could be anything from the person being harassed on pension day to a relative or neighbour stealing money from an older person,” West Australian public advocate, Michelle Scott, said.
Grandchildren, in particular, were frequently found to be the perpetrators of such abuse.
“The report paints a disturbing picture of the treatment of some older Aboriginal people within their own community,” WA Justice Minister John D’Orazio said at the launch of the report.
“This situation presents a serious challenge for many Aboriginal communities and for government and non-government agencies working with Aboriginal people,” the minister added.
Project officers Maxine Chi and Sharon Bedford conducted the report's consultations in the Kimberley, the Goldfields regions, and the Ngaanyatjarra Lands in central western WA.
The pair found that community workers in some areas felt powerless to act against the abuse, fearing that families would leave and take the abused person with them.
According to the findings, some instances of sexual abuse had also occurred but these were rare and not often discussed within communities.
The authors said that substance and alcohol misuse played a significant role in exacerbating the dysfunction in families.
Mr D’Orazio said that all Western Australians should be able to live in safety and security.
He pledged that the government would carefully examine the report’s recommendations, which include better housing and respite care for elders, improved access to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, along with awareness and education programmes.