A new charity aims to develop work to tackle the growing number of reported incidents of elderly abuse

A UK charity that aims to protect older people from harm and abuse has opened a Scottish office.

Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) Scotland will support those experiencing, or at risk of, harmful behaviour and abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, financial and intentional neglect.

A total of 8.6% of older people have reported experiencing abuse in their own homes and the charity is working to make it easier for people to report it and work with policy-makers to advocate for the best possible support framework.

Although AEA has been around for 23 years, a very small team in London meant that it had no direct operations in other parts of the UK.

In 2015, it received Big Lottery funding to expand into Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and AEA Scotland was established.

Lesley Carcary, director of AEA Scotland, said: “It’s still relatively early days for AEA Scotland, but we’ve already recruited and started training six new volunteers for our Elder Abuse Helpline, produced a range of information materials, and engaged in relevant policy forums.

“In the longer term, we’d like to set up a fully staffed dedicated Scottish helpline and secure funding for directly working with victims of abuse via a peer support project.

“In the short term, we are committed to increasing awareness of elder abuse to encourage people to speak up, and know where to turn to if they need support.”

Scotland is the only country in the UK to have dedicated adult safeguarding legislation (the Adult Support and Protection Act).

The Elder Abuse Response Helpline is on 080 8808 8141 or e-mail [email protected]