Protection Measures against Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse is now calling on the government attention and demands for legislative measures to protect them. They are asking for the same status as that of the abuse against children and domestic violence victims. Vulnerable adults include the elderly and people with mental health problems and learning disabilities. With respect to this issue the government said measures were planned to tackle the problem.

Recently nine authorities were given the power to act against those who are found to be involved in Elder Abuse. The nine authorities are Essex, Hertfordshire, Brent, Redbridge, Liverpool, Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire, Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset. Statistics shows that about 200 of the 639 cases related to abuse had occurred in a person's own home. In 116 cases, the person carrying out the abuse is working in an institution, such as a nursing home or hospital. In the cases of the people who were abused at home, 65 cases involved a paid care worker. But the sad state is that out of the 639 cases taken to the police department only five resulted in a criminal prosecution.

Action on Elder Abuse wants national data collection introduced, and reporting requirements where people are referred for protection measures. Daniel Blake applauded the measures that the government is introducing to protect the elderly people. But there is still no legislation. Mr. Blake said that without legislation, authorities and agencies were not able to function fully and protect vulnerable adults. David Congdon, of learning disability charity Mencap, said that it is sickening to think that in the 21st Century people with a learning disability are still victims of such attacks.

Care Services Minister Liam Byrne said that the results revealed the dark truth. He said that many of our older people are being subjected to attacks or are harmed as a result of neglect. But only a few people are being brought to justice for it. The government plans a committee of dignity guardian agencies and charities to advise on how best to protect the dignity of vulnerable people. He said that there will be spot checks conducted by the government. In conclusion Mr Byrne said that only through joint effort one can completely wipe off the abuse towards the older and vulnerable people.