A new report examining seven years of elder abuse data shows more than 90 per cent of perpetrators are family members, and substance abuse, gambling and mental health are increasingly contributing factors.

The report Seven Years of Elder Abuse Data in Victoria analysed 2385 cases of elder abuse reported to Senior Rights Victoria from June 2012 to July 2019.

It found 35 per cent of perpetrators had drug and alcohol or gambling issues, and 39 per cent had mental health issues.

But experts fear the stress and pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown will see more people turn to ageing parents for help, an increase in the number of adults returning to live in the family home and more likelihood of elder abuse.

"As people become unemployed they're returning home, often under a lot of stress," said Senior Rights Victoria principal lawyer Rebecca Edwards.

"Coupled with increased social isolation, financial pressures and an uncertain future, there is concern they'll take this out on their parents, who may themselves be isolated from their usual community connections due to COVID-19."

Ms Edwards said for two out of three callers to SRV over the past seven years, the abuser was either an adult son (39 per cent) or daughter (28 per cent).

"Increasingly, this adult child is experiencing their own difficulties, which can make the abuse harder to address."

The report found almost two thirds of callers had experienced psychological abuse or financial abuse, one in seven had physical abuse inflicted on them, and many clients experienced more than one type of abuse.

Elder abuse is defined as any act, or failure to act, which causes harm or distress to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.

Ballarat Community Health health promotion manager Louise Feery said many older people were reluctant to speak up about abuse they suffered at the hands of family members.

"The report highlights 90 per cent of perpetrators are family members and that really adds to the complexity of why older people don't come forward to report abuse," Ms Feery said.

"Older people don't want family members to get in trouble. They want the abuse to stop but want to help their family member with whatever issue they have got. The report certainly makes reference to the fact that many adult children moving home have got their own issues such as alcohol and drug issues and gambling issues."

Ms Feery said the elder abuse could occur quickly.

"Things that can start off being quite harmless and mutually beneficial can turn quite quickly and that's where we can see financial abuse because of the fact an adult child has moved back home because of financial reasons," she said.

She said it was important for older people to be prepared and have tools in place, such as power of attorney, for when they are older and unable to make clear decisions.

And it was vital to have a trusted friend or family member to talk to, and broader connections to the community.

"It's important to get together, to be part of a community group, mens shed, bowls club or senior citizens centre ... somewhere you can maybe talk about things happening at home with people people who can support you.

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"Making social connection is so important but we are going through a period of time where people can't connect socially which makes them more and more isolated and there's more potential for risk of elder abuse to occur."

Seniors Rights Victoria provide information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people. Services including a helpline, specialist legal services, short-term support and advocacy for individuals. The free, confidential helpline is 1300 368 821.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.

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