A report has revealed that more than 1,840 cases of alleged elder abuse were referred to the health service last year in the Republic. This figure is double the number of cases referred in 2007. Nearly two thirds of those believed to be affected last year were female. In 26 per cent of cases, the alleged abuse was classified as psychological. In 19 per cent of cases itinvolved neglect, in 16 per cent financial matters and in 12 per cent physical abuse.

The type of abuser was consistent across all regions and usually involved a person with the closest relationship to the older person, such as a son, daughter, partner or spouse.