Cardiff Council is calling on people to take a stand and report abuse of older people to show such behaviour will not be tolerated or pushed to one side. To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June, the Council is hosting a public event in Ferrier Hall at City Hall.
The day, which runs from 10am – 3pm will highlight organisations working together for greater recognition and prevention of the mistreatment of older people wherever they live throughout the world. Mistreatment of older people includes neglect, financial abuse, psychological abuse, physical and sexual abuse. Ruth Marks, Wales’ Commissioner for Older People will open the event at 10am, which is supported by partners including the Fire and Police services, Trading Standards, The Stroke Association, Age Concern and Age Cymru. Representatives from these and other organizations will be present to offer advice and information to anyone with concerns or issues about elder abuse.
Abuse of older people can occur anywhere, in someone’s home, in a day centre, in a residential home, in a hospital. Both older men and women can be at risk of being abused. Often the people who abuse older people, are exploiting a special relationship.
There are many reasons why abuse occurs and these may vary with each incident. Many of its causes are not yet fully understood. Abuse may range from a spontaneous act of frustration to systematic premeditated assaults on an older person. Once abuse has been reported the victim can offered protection and also receive support from other professionals to help them though it.
Cllr Kirsty Davies, Executive Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing said: “Cardiff Council is committed to protecting all vulnerable members of society from abuse. Everyone has the right to live their lives free from abuse or neglect and this event is designed to give a clear message that the abuse of vulnerable adults is totally unacceptable and that support is available for those who need it.”
Cllr Davies also stressed the importance of raising people’s general awareness about the potential for abuse. “Raising public awareness of abuse is the first vital step in preventing it” she said. “We urge anyone suffering such abuse or anyone who is worried that someone they know might be suffering from abuse to contact someone they trust, which could be a friend, family member, carer, doctor or nurse, social worker or a member of the police.”
