Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA, has backed the charity Action on Elder Abuse following a recent meeting with their Director Veronica Gray.

The Upper Bann MLA said:

“This is an extremely important issue, not least because last year alone over 3,200 older people in Northern Ireland were referred to local Health Trust safeguarding services, almost half of them for physical abuse. 

“Indeed we should remember that these are the cases which have been reported and sadly many local people may be suffering in silence.

“That’s why we need to take every step possible to improve the lives of the increasing number of older people in Northern Ireland society, including increased protection from abuse. 

“There have been far too many stories of elderly and vulnerable people who have come to harm at the hands of those who they trusted.  Action on Elder abuse offer a confidential helpline number both for people who are suffering abuse and also for anyone who may know a relative, neighbour or friend who is being abused and needs advice about how and where to report it.”

“I was delighted to meet with their local Director Veronica Gray to hear about the work of the charity which is part of a larger UK-wide organisation committed to delivering a society where everyone can live life free from abuse.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside this organisation to seek additional help from Government and to look much further at the issue of elder abuse and spreading the word that people do not need to suffer in silence.”

You can contact the Elder Abuse dedicated, specialist Helpline for advice, information or support at 080 8808 8141 from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.