World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2007

Friday 15th of June marked an international day in the calendar for everyone interested in the care of older people, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day kicked off in Enfield.

On the Friday a stall was open in Enfield Town. Staffed by professionals from the Council, NHS and voluntary sector, older people and the police, the stall offered a one-stop shop for anyone who wanted to know how to recognise and report the abuse of older people and vulnerable adults in our community. Information was also be available about how to help prevent abuse happening in the first place.

There was a balloon release of 65 purple balloons, to signify the 65 proven cases of abuse of older people and vulnerable adults that have been uncovered in the Enfield area between April 2006 and March 2007.

Abuse of older and vulnerable people can take many forms, for example physical, psychological or emotional, sexual or financial abuse. Neglect and discrimination are also forms of abuse.

Facts about adult abuse in Enfield:

• Between April 2006 till March 2007, 281 alleged cases of abuse were brought to the attention of professionals;

• 65 of these cases were proven;

• Older people and people with learning difficulties are the groups most commonly referred;

• The most common type of abuse is physical, which makes up 26% of referrals;

• 54% of referrals are for people aged 65+;

• The highest percentage of alleged perpetrators are family, friends and carers;

• The police are a key partner in the safeguarding adults arrangements and have been involved in a number of cases, particularly in instances where a crime may have been committed.

Figures for over half of all London Boroughs record an increase of 27% in referrals to the safeguarding adults process for the period between April 2006 and March 2007. We see it as a success that local councils, their partners and our communities are exposing the abuse and mistreatment of 'vulnerable adults' and reporting incidents and concerns.

Keezia Obi, Strategic Lead for Safeguarding Adults said, “This international day gave us a unique chance to highlight how so many older people in our community are being abused and mistreated, very often by the people they are supposed to be able to trust like family and friends. We know the issue is often hidden and that the incidents are probably higher than reported.

“The day is was also to encourage anyone who has any concerns for the welfare of an older person to report it. I appeal to the members of our community to help stamp out the abuse of all vulnerable people and know what to do if they are concerned.”

Steve Tall, Head of Older People Services said, “Every day there are older people - some living in their own homes, some in care - who are being hit, tormented and frightened, unable or unwilling to tell anyone what is happening to them.

“There is no place for this and the time has come to stand up and say NO to the abuse of older people.”

This document was last updated on 2007-06-21 13:30:41 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_129604