Council Signs Up To Beat Elder Abuse

Belfast City Council is signing up to beat Elder Abuse by increasing public awareness of the problem and encouraging everyone to report it to the relevant authorities.

In Belfast in 2013-14, 1,264 referrals were made to Social Services following allegations or suspicions that an older person was experiencing some form of abuse. The number of allegations have increased by 90% over the last four years.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Alderman Guy Spence, said: "Belfast's seniors are valued members of society and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity.

"Abuse of older people is a tragedy inflicted on vulnerable seniors and an ever-increasing problem in today's society that crosses all socio-economic boundaries. We are all responsible for building safer communities for Belfast's seniors.

"Combating abuse of older people will help improve the quality of life for all seniors and will allow them to continue to live as independently as possible and contribute to the life and vibrancy of Belfast."

The Age-friendly Belfast Plan 2014-2017, which was launched last year, recognises the challenges of an ageing population and includes a number of actions to encourage active ageing, and support the needs of older people. The signing of the Declaration on Elder Abuse is another element of that work.

(CD/JP)