Cllr Helen Dick backs Help the Aged's attempts to stop elder abuse

5.50.42pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 11th Feb 2006

Dundee LibDem Councillor Helen Dick has pledged her support to the Help the Aged campaign to end Elder Abuse. Over 13 800 people who have already put their names to the campaign, which aims to raise awareness of elder abuse, provide information and bring about Government action to tackle abuse.

Helen said today (Saturday 11th February 2006), "I am really pleased to give my support to Help the Aged's campaign on such a vital issue. Elder abuse varies from financial exploitation, emotional bullying and neglect, to violence committed against older people by friends and family. It is a dreadful statistic that some 500 000 older people in the UK are believed to be at risk at any one time."

Research released by Help the Aged has shown that 1 in 8 people have experienced elder abuse, yet 39% of people have never even heard the term. Two-thirds of abuse is committed at home, by someone in a position of trust.

Help the Aged seeks to increase awareness of elder abuse and to ensure that the Government takes action to help stop elder abuse. The aims include:

• Independent Advocacy - Increased access to independent advocacy for older people so that they can speak out about abuse and get support.

• Criminal Justice - Increased awareness of elder abuse within law enforcement agencies.

• Keeping Older People Safe - The establishment of a comprehensive register of health and social care workers who cannot work with older people because they pose a risk to them.

Helen added, "I hope many Dundee people will support this vital campaign - you can indicate your support by following the link to the Help the Aged campaign site below."

Related Links:

Help the Aged - 'I Will' - campaign website.

Early Day Motion on subject - House of Commons - Paul Burstow, LibDem MP for Sutton & Cheam.