Latest HSE research report figures indicate more than 1,840 cases of suspected ill-treatment were referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2008. The report showed the number jumped from 927 cases reported in a 10-month period a year earlier. It is interpreted from information provided that of all the concerns raised, nearly two-thirds of the victims were female. More than a quarter involved allegations of psychological abuse, a fifth concerned neglect, some 16 per cent dealt with financial matters, and 12 per cent suspicions of physical assault. The alleged abusers were mainly people with the closest relationship to the older person - such as a child or spouse - while the most common person to report a case was a public health nurse, hospital or HSE staff member. The full report is available by clicking on the link above.