"Nurses are clearly lacking the proper support they need to be able to protect vulnerable adults in their care."

In the survey of professional nurses, 68 per cent said lack of training in dealing with elder abuse was a barrier to properly caring for vulnerable adults.

Well over half admitted they wouldn't report abuse for fear of misinterpreting the situation. More than a quarter said fear of confrontation by the abuser would prevent them from speaking up.

One in five said they were unaware of policies in their workplace for the protection of vulnerable adults or whistle-blowing.

Mr. Duane Farrell, Head of Policy, Research and Communications at Help the Aged in Northern Ireland, said:

"Elder abuse is a widespread problem but one which can be tackled by better public and professional awareness. All front-line staff should be receiving training in identifying and recognising signs of elder abuse but as this research shows, many have to do their jobs without it.

"Nurses are clearly lacking the proper support they need to be able to protect vulnerable adults in their care. Training in elder abuse for nurses must be mandatory, together with a legal requirement for protocols to ensure that all professionals respond confidently and take effective action as quickly as possible."

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