For the past 18 months, COTA SA has had an increasing focus on the unique experiences of older women with family, domestic and sexual violence. We have been pleased to work alongside the Office for Women on this project, which brings together the voices of older women across South Australia, in order both to shed light on this important issue and to provide evidence for meaningful action leading to real, practical change.

Up until now our report from this project has remained exclusively for the use of Office for Women; today we're pleased to release a public version of the report:

“Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence: Unique Experiences of Older Women in South Australia”, is now available to members of the public as well as to decision makers and organisations working in this space, with key recommendations and actionable steps to support older women who are victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence.

The findings tell a story: older women’s experience of violence is often hidden, and they are being left behind by systems not designed with them in mind. Our hope is that this report helps older women feel seen, heard and supported.

COTA SA Chief Executive, Miranda Starke, and Research and Engagement Manager, Rachael Nielsen, were honoured to share insights from the project at a public hearing of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence in March.

Miranda Starke also continued to raise awareness of these issues as a presenter at The Hatchery’s Ending Coercive Control, Family & Domestic Violence Conference earlier this month.

With the Royal Commission due to hand down its final report in July 2025, COTA SA has—through its 2025-26 State Budget submission and informed by this research—called on the State Government to invest in targeted initiatives that protect older women from all forms of elder abuse, including family, domestic, and sexual violence.

If you or someone you know is affected by this issue you can find information and links to resources on the Older Women's Services and Supports page on our website.