Standing Against Elder Abuse: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024

Standing Against Elder Abuse: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2024

Everyone has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect can occur anywhere: in your own home, a public place, a hospital, a day centre, or a care home. Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we want to ensure that all our older residents know what abuse is and that, if they experience it, they need to report it. We also need to encourage friends, family, professionals, volunteers, and neighbours to speak out if they think someone might be being abused.

Abuse can affect anyone and can take many forms, including:

- Physical abuse

- Domestic violence or abuse

- Sexual abuse

- Psychological or emotional abuse

- Financial or material abuse

- Modern slavery

- Discriminatory abuse

- Organisational or institutional abuse

- Neglect

If you feel you are being abused or neglected, there are many people you can talk to. Reach out to someone you trust as soon as possible. Speak to friends or care workers who may understand the situation and be able to take steps quickly to improve it. Talk to professionals such as a social worker or GP about your concerns, or ask to speak to your local council's adult safeguarding team or co-ordinator. If you believe a crime is being, or has been, committed – whether it's physical abuse or financial – talk to the police or ask someone you trust to do so on your behalf.

Please don’t suffer in silence; help is available:

Age Cymru Dyfed: Provides a wide range of advice and support for older people, including elder abuse and scam advice.

  - Call: 03333 447 874

  - Email: reception@agecymrudyfed.org.uk

 

Age Cymru Powys: Provides a wide range of advice and support for older people, including elder abuse and scam advice.

  - Call: 01686 623707

  - Email: enquiries@acpowys.org.uk

 

Live Fear Free: Provides help and support to people experiencing abuse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  - Call: 0808 80 10 800

  - Text: 07860 077333

 

Action Fraud: Report fraud, suspicious texts, or cybercrime.

  - Call: 0300 123 2040

 

Dyfed-Powys Police: Call 101 to report an incident. Always call 999 in an emergency.

 

Hourglass Cymru: Provides confidential help and support for older people at risk.

  - Call: 0808 808 8141

  - Text: 07860 052906

 

Dyfed-Powys Regional Safeguarding Board: Visit their website for more information and contact details for each of the Safeguarding teams within the region.

 

The Silver Line: A 24-hour free confidential helpline providing information, friendship, and advice to older people.

  - Phone: 0800 4 70 80 90

 

Older People’s Commissioner Wales: Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

  - Phone: 03442 640 670

  - Email: ask@olderpeoplewales.com

As Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn states, "We are passionate about keeping our most vulnerable residents safe. It’s crucial that we all work together to protect older individuals from abuse and ensure they live in safety and dignity."