"Remember the victims of elder abuse!" Lynne

10.33.58pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Jun 2006

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP and co-president of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Ageing Liz Lynne MEP today gave a report on a seminar she recently hosted on the often unacknowledged, but common problem of elder abuse at a conference at the European Committee of the Regions. The Committee was looking into local and regional initiatives to prevent violence against older people.

Speaking at the conference today, Liz Lynne MEP explained that the purpose of the seminar had been to highlight the importance of putting an end to elder abuse, which has been largely overlooked by policymakers throughout Europe. The seminar she was reporting back on featured speakers from Help the Aged UK and the European Commission.

She explained that she tried to emphasize to the participants of the seminar that, in spite of the harrowing stories they heard, it was not enough to simply identify cases of elder abuse, action needed to take place.

Explaining the problems of elder abuse Ms Lynne said "Elder abuse is a major problem across the EU. As many as 10 percent of those aged 60 and older will be likely to experience some form of abuse before they die. It happens in personal homes, residential and nursing homes, hospitals, and day centres. This is, quite simply, a violation of basic human rights and it happens every single day."

"This is something that needs to be a priority on the EU agenda at all levels. Local and regional groups can play an important role in this collaborative effort to raise awareness among the public about the prevalence of elder abuse and take action to assist victims. Far more needs to be done to protect elderly people."

Elder abuse, reportedly witnessed by 88% of careworkers in the UK, refers to harm or mistreatment of an older person, often by someone they trust. It can be physical, psychological, financial or sexual or in the form of neglect. It is believed to be affecting over 500,000 people in the UK at any one time.

Ms Lynne was joined at the Committee of the Regions by speakers from AGE, the European Commission and those that have worked on the issue in other member states.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Legislation on elder abuse in England:

· No Secrets guidance for local authorities,

· Care Standards Act (2000). This introduced a number of provisions for regulation of care settings.

· Sexual Offences Act (2003). This introduced new offences around sexual abuse of vulnerable adults by people in a position of trust.

· Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act (2004)

· Mental Capacity Act (2005) This introduced new offences on the neglect and mistreatment of people lacking capacity.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 003222845521 (Brussels) or 077644 52725(mobile) or Press Officer Ollie Newham on 01789 266354