The HSE wants to highlight its support for the United Nations International Plan of Action which recognises the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. The key objective of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is to raise awareness of elder abuse, which encompasses neglect and mal or mistreatment, throughout the world. 

In all societies, abuse and neglect of older persons is largely under-recognised or treated as an unspoken problem.  Published research has concluded, that for every case reported and substantiated, there are over five that are not reported. While raising public awareness is a vital component in the battle against abuse of all kinds,ultimately the challenge for us all is not only to listen to what has been said, but to believe and act upon it.

“My World,…Your World… Our World – Free of Elder Abuse” is the core message of this year’s international campaign. This is significant and relevant to all sectors of society - professionals, older people and the general public.

As highlighted in the HSE’s national elder abuse awareness campaign it is vital that we all “Open Our Eyes” to potential abuse within our communities. As with all abuse, it should never be accepted or ignored. The HSE is actively trying to create and maintain, an awareness, in society of the issue of elder abuse and the highlighting of the annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day forms a part of our continued efforts. 

In 2008 the total number of elder abuse referrals made to the HSE was 1,840. Excluding cases of self-neglect, the main types of abuse alleged were Psychological (26%), Neglect (19%), Financial (16%) and Physical (12%). The predominant alleged perpetrators have been reported as those having the closest relationship to the person, i.e. son/daughter at 43% with partner/husband/spouse at 17% and other relative at 12%. In 53% of all cases the alleged perpetrator is living with the older person.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlin Byrne, will sign the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation at 10 a.m. on Monday 15th June, 2009 in the Mansion House, Dawson Street.  The Lord Mayor said:   “The responsibility lies with all of us, we all need to value the positive contribution older people make to society. We need to recognise and act on abuse or suspicions of abuse. Finally we need to encourage positive contact between generations in an effort to stamp out social isolation and neglect of older people