Age Action is urging people to play a greater role in helping to tackle elder abuse in Ireland.

The charity made its appeal to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15). It pointed out that the while the latest figures from the HSE show that 1,870 cases of alleged abuse were referred to its elder abuse service last year, the real figure is probably far higher as many cases go unreported.

"In the three years since the elder abuse service was established it has handled over 3,000 allegations of abuse. However, if Ireland follows international trends, there could be an estimated 14,000 to 24,000 victims of elder abuse in Ireland," it said.

The charity believes groups working with older people can help address the issue of under-reporting.

"Last year the majority of referrals to the elder abuse service were made by HSE and medical staff, while there were very few cases referred by voluntary organisations," noted Age Action spokesman, Eamon Timmins.

From the charity's experience, many older people or those who have contact with older people through social or voluntary groups are unaware of elder abuse or the possible warning signs. As a result, they may miss the opportunity to support an older person who is being abused.

Age Action is urging groups who work with older people to make their members aware of elder abuse.

They pointed to a new HSE awareness campaign, ‘Open Your Eyes', which includes a DVD that was produced especially for members of the public. It explains what elder abuse is and the options that older people have if they are being abused.

Age Action helped with the content of the DVD and is urging all older people's groups and organisations to obtain a copy from their local HSE office.

"When it comes to elder abuse, doing nothing is not an option. Some people may turn a blind eye because they do not know what to do or they are unaware of the supports that are available. We would urge them to educate themselves with this DVD so that all older people can live with dignity," Mr Timmins added.

Launching the ‘Open Your Eyes' campaign, the Minister for Older People, Aine Brady, urged people to follow up on any concerns that they may have in relation to elder abuse.

"Whatever form it may take it is simply unacceptable. We must decide what kind of society we want to live in and take a stand against any type of abuse," she said.

More information on elder abuse is available from the HSE's Information Line at 1850 24 1850, from Monday to Saturday, 8am-8pm.