Evidence to inform policy: How AUT research and expertise helps address complex social issues
Nearly one in six New Zealanders over the age of 55, a quarter of a million people, have experienced abuse in the past year. Psychological abuse is the most common form of harm, followed by financial abuse.
To better understand and respond to this widespread and ongoing issue, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) needed robust evidence about the prevalence and nature of abuse, its impacts on older people and their families, the barriers to seeking help, and its wider social and economic consequences, to inform policies and improve responses.
To find these answers, MSD turned to AUT’s New Zealand Policy Research Institute (NZPRI). Led by NZPRI Director and economist Dr. Lisa Meehan and Māori health and family violence expert Professor Denise Wilson, the multidisciplinary team delivered the most comprehensive evidence base of its kind in Aotearoa. By combining a nationally representative survey, linked administrative data, and qualitative interviews, the study provided new insights into the experiences of older people affected by abuse and its consequences for individuals, families, public services and wider society. The research also estimated that the economic costs associated with abuse of older people amount to approximately $1.8 billion annually.
The findings provide MSD and other government agencies, financial institutions, NGOs and service providers with a robust evidence base to inform policies and practices aimed at preventing abuse of older people and improving responses to those affected.
A New Pathway to Partnership
The NZPRI abuse of older people study is a prime example of the high-calibre, world-changing research happening behind the doors of AUT. However, for many external organisations, figuring out how to engage with a massive university to commission this kind of vital research has historically felt daunting. That is exactly why we have launched AUT Solutions.
Now, government agencies, NGOs, and commercial enterprises have a dedicated, streamlined "front door" to access AUT’s leading institutes, including NZPRI.
Whether you need deep social data to drive national policy, specialised economic modelling, or a multidisciplinary team to solve a complex commercial challenge, AUT Solutions makes the connection seamless. Our dedicated team handles all the scoping and administration, meaning you can focus entirely on the insights and the impact.
If your organisation needs robust, evidence-based research to solve complex challenges, it has never been easier to partner with us. Reach out to the AUT Solutions team at solutions@aut.ac.nz to connect with Aotearoa’s top experts. To hear more about the National Study, click here for the RNZ National interview.