Physical, sexual and psychological abuse has increased among older people in the Shannonside region over the last two years.
New data from the HSE shows that 1,524 referrals were made to the Safeguarding and Protection Team for the western health region since 2019 for persons over the age of 65 years.
Elder Abuse is defined by the HSE as any act, or failure to act, which results in a breach of a vulnerable person’s human rights, physical and mental integrity. Psychological, physical and financial abuse were the most common forms reported to the Western Safeguarding and Protection Team in 2022. The team responds to safeguarding concerns from people in Roscommon, Galway and Mayo. 37 percent of reports made to the team last year complained of psychological abuse such as threatening behaviour. That's an increase of 7 percent on reports made in 2019. Financial abuse is where a person has access to your accounts with out permission, you are bullied into financial decisions or you are denied access to your own money. 27 percent of complaints made in 2022 were in regard to financial issues, down seven percent on 2019. Physical abuse has seen a significant increase, with 21 percent of reports last year referencing painful or rough treatment.
Sexual abuse has also seen a minor jump from 1.8 percent to 2.4 percent, while neglect has lowered from 21 percent in 2019 to 19 percent last year.
If you suspect someone you know may be a victim of abuse, or if you are a victim of abuse yourself, you should contact your local health centre, your GP, public health nurse or the Gardaí
