MEP supports World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - Sunday 15 June

8.22.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 13th Jun 2008

Local Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, Graham Watson will be supporting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this Sunday 15th June.

Speaking today Graham commented:

"Abuse of older people is an issue that has been in the shadows for too long and I hope that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will highlight the extent of abuse and challenge those with power to take steps to stamp out maltreatment of old people."

Furthermore, Graham says:

"Abuse can take various forms, be it physical, financial or neglect of a person and it can be perpetrated by those in a position of responsibility and trust. Disturbing statistics show that at least 500 000 people in the UK are victims of elder abuse. I whole-heartedly support Action on Elder Abuse which gives advice and support to victims by way of their free-phone helpline: 080 8808 8141."

Editors note:-

Annual World Elder Awareness Day is the third of its kind and the charity, Action on Elder Abuse will be organizing events to highlight the issue in the UK and Ireland. For more information, see www.elderabuse.org.uk