Trinity join HSE to mark global day for elder abuse awareness

Posted on: 15 June 2023

Elder abuse is a significant issue in modern society. Each year some 3,500 allegations are reported to the HSE. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is marked every year on June 15^th. It is supported by the United Nations to raise people’s awareness of abuse and neglect.

Organiser, Amanda Phelan, Professor in Ageing and Community Nursing at Trinity’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, said:

“Today’s figures* released by the HSE demonstrate that elder abuse remains a public health issue in Ireland. There is a need to fully address this is by raising awareness and through further research.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery have undertaken a number of studies which demonstrate the continued diversity of elder abuse, both within families and through scams. In response, we have developed an inter-sector multi-sector micro-dential programme to help prevention, recognition and intervention programme and work to continue to undertake research to help combat this issue in Irish society.”

*Figures released today by the HSE showed:

• Elder abuse was up by 31% (over 65) up 13 % in over 65 from last year’s figures.
• Top 3 perpetrations against older people were: psychological, physical and financial.
• About 1800 referrals for service areas and 2000 referrals for community based.
• Highest increase in over the over 80 category, up by 32 %.

According to Tim Hanly, General Manager of the HSE National Safeguarding Office: 

“The HSE are delighted to partner and collaborate with the Trinity’s School of Nursing and Midwifery in organising todays Conference on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness day.   As our population ages, elder abuse has become a growing concern with an estimated 1 in 6 older adults experiencing some form of abuse or neglect each year. An important way for older people to protect themselves and prevent abuse is to be informed, to ensure their friends and family know what signs to watch out for and to act when they suspect elder abuse.

Today’s Conference will greatly assist in raising awareness and understanding of Elder Abuse in our Society.  In addition to today’s Conference there are local events around the country and several national  buildings including Trinity will light up in purple to support the initiative whilst HSE staff and stakeholders are encouraged to show solidarity by wearing the purple ribbon. ”

Speakers and presentation topics:

• Chair: Tim Hanly, General Manager, Health Service Executive (HSE) National Safeguarding Office
• Bernard Gloster, Chief Executive Officer of the HSE: Role and responsibility for the health and Social Care sector in preventing and responding to Elder Abuse
• Claudia Mahler, UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons: International Report on Deprivation of liberty of older persons
• Anne Drury, Outgoing President of Active Retirement Ireland: Positive aging – Supporting and listening to older persons in how we want to live socially valued and connected lives
• Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE: Voluntary and community sector role in addressing Elder Abuse by empowering and supporting older people
• Amanda Phelan, Professor in Ageing & Community Nursing, Trinity College and Irish representative to the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse: Commencement of Assisted Decision Making legislation as an important milestone for the human rights of older people in Ireland

More information: You can access further information on elder abuse, supports and safeguarding vulnerable adults, by visiting the following link: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/olderpeople/elderabuse/

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