Since 2018, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has uncovered widespread elder abuse and mistreatment.
Overall, investigators estimated that over 32,000 assaults - physical, sexual and emotional - had occurred in a year in such homes. The abuse was perpetrated by carers as well as other residents.
Investigators said about 2,520 sexual assaults had happened in residential nursing homes in 2018-2019, an estimated 50 sexual assaults occur each week. "Unlawful sexual conduct" had long been a concern, adding it was believed to affect 13-18% of aged care residents.
The pandemic this year has exacerbated problems within the system, the inquiry has found. There has been criticism of the government's lack of preparation for the vulnerable sector, after dozens of homes suffered outbreaks, particularly in Victoria. Failures in the sector have drawn great scrutiny this year - more than 75% of Australia's 903 coronavirus deaths have been aged care residents.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-54640306
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