250 reports of adult abuse in Trust in ‘11

The Trust’s Assistant Director of Adult Safeguarding Aidan Gordon advised the number of cases reported to the Trust is increasing.

And Claire Keatinge, Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland said it is likely there are other older people who are experiencing abuse which has not been reported to the Trust.

The shocking scale of the problem was revealed as the Western Trust prepares to host a public awareness event in the Waterfoot Hotel this Friday, June 15, between 10am and 12pm to mark World Elder Abuse Day.

The Western Trust and those partner organisations which make up the Western Local Adult Safeguarding Partnership (LASP) want the public to show their support and attend their local event to help highlight vulnerable adult abuse.

Incredibly, between January 2011 and December 2011, 242 adult safeguarding referrals were received by the Western trust Trust.

Also, the number of incidents reported to the Trust continues to rise. Whilst abuse in any form is abhorrent, increased reporting can also mean an increased awareness of the services - and this awareness needs to increase further.

“Raising awareness about the potential for abuse to happen is the first positive step in preventing it,” said Mr Gordon.

“LASP is dedicated to safeguarding all vulnerable people from abuse and encourages staff, as well as service users, carers and the general public to be vigilant and report any suspicions they may have.”

He continued: “Abuse or neglect can happen to any adult. In fact, contrary to commonly held beliefs, most adults who experience abuse or neglect are mentally competent, are not dependent on other people, and do not require constant care.

“Abuse in any form is totally unacceptable. I think it is important to also say that abuse is not just a health issue. “It is also a societal issue. It therefore requires us, as a society, to recognise the abuse of adults in all its forms and to report it if we come across it.”

Abuse can be physical/sexual (e.g. hitting or inappropriate behaviour), emotional, verbal (e.g. name calling) or financial (e.g. taking money or property).

Neglect can also be part of abuse. Neglect involves not doing something, such as not providing the adult with food, shelter, medication, or care.

Abuse of older adults most often occurs within the family, by a spouse, children, and/or grandchildren.

However, abusers can also include friends, neighbours, paid care providers, landlords and staff, or any individual in a position of power, trust, or authority.

Ms Keatinge encouraged the public to attend and find out more, saying: “I would encourage people to come to one of the events being organised by the Western Health and Social Care Trust during World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“Vulnerable older people have the right to be safe and to be protected from abuse. During 2011, the Western Health and Social Care Trust investigated 242 allegations of abuse against vulnerable adults.

“Sadly, it is likely there are other older people who are experiencing abuse which has not been reported to the Trust, and where older people are suffering.”

She continued: “The events being organised by the Trust in Fermanagh, Omagh and Derry/Londonderry are an opportunity for the public to find out more about Elder Abuse and how we can all help protect and support vulnerable older people.”

Members of the public are asked to register for the events by contacting: Julie Woods Erne Hospital 028 66382060 [email protected].

If you are the victim of abuse, or if you are worried about someone who you think may have experienced or is being abused, exploited or neglected, then it is really important to seek help.

LASP would encourage anyone with concerns about an adult who may be at risk to inform your nearest social services office or PSNI station. If you ever feel in immediate danger or think someone else may be in immediate danger, Dial 999.