Aiming to shed new light on hidden suffering of older people

Date published: 12/06/2007

Agencies working together to protect older people from abuse are starting a project to look into why so few people over 60 complain of domestic violence.

Pamela Lloyd-Hughes, Rochdale Council's Co-ordinator for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults, said: "It seems unlikely that domestic violence simply stops at 60 and we know that in some cases it may start, or become significantly worse in later life.

"We need to know why older survivors of domestic violence still tend to remain hidden."

The Elder Abuse Project now being started by the Rochdale Inter-Agency Adult Protection Committee will try to find the facts behind the figures. The project is also part of the work of the Rochdale Domestic Violence Strategy Partnership.

The Adult Protection Committee is led by Rochdale Council and together with the police, NHS and other agencies it aims to tackle the issue of elder abuse.

The start of the project follows this year's World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June.

In the run-up to the Awareness Day, information leaflets and posters have been distributed throughout the borough to let people know what to do if they suspect that an older person is being physically or mentally abused. To mark the day, people are asked to wear something purple.

Pamela Lloyd-Hughes said: "Elder abuse is often hidden. The abuse may not be physical, it may involve financial exploitation, mental abuse, neglect and bullying. It may happen within families but also to people living in residential care or in day care.

"However the abuse happens, it is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Hopefully projects that help improve our understanding of abuse and attempts to raise awareness of the issue will encourage more people who suspect abuse to speak out."

If you suspect elder abuse you can contact Rochdale Council's Initial Access Team on 0845 602 4991. Remember that adult abuse is a crime. If you suspect that a crime has been committed, you may also contact GM Police on 0161 872 5050.