Enough is Enough: the issues
Thousands of older people are vulnerable to abuse, and the conviction rate for abusers remains too low.
Elder abuse occurs when older men or women are harmed, mistreated or neglected. Like child abuse, it is a real problem - the statistics speak for themselves:
- 500,000 older people are believed to be abused at any one time in the UK (1).
- Two thirds of abuse is committed at home by someone in a position of trust (2).
- Those aged between 80 and 89 are the most vulnerable to abuse (2).
Help the Aged aims to increase awareness of elder abuse among decision makers, service providers and older people, so that abuse does not go unrecognised.
No one should have to suffer in silence.
To learn more about elder abuse you can:
- Watch our short film, Joan's Story
- Download our leaflet, Stopping Elder Abuse (PDF,405k), and learn what elder abuse is, how to recognise it, and how to get help.
(1) Based on the scientific study of elder abuse by Ogg and Bennett 1992 on behalf of the Royal London Trust.
(2) Based on analysis of calls to the Action on Elder Abuse helpline.
What we want
Read more about our campaign aims.
What we are doing
Find out about the work we have done on this issue.
What you can do
Take action and make your voice heard.
