World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - 15th June 2007

Yogi Amin, Partner at Irwin Mitchell Manchester's Public Law Unit, today supported greater calls for more legal protection for the elderly living at home and in the care of families.

He said, "Proactive support could mean elders are protected by social services and put in places of safety. Applications can be made to court to protect the vulnerable and those who lack the mental capacity to make the relevant decision."

His comments come as thousands of supporters take part in a range of awareness-raising activities across the North West today to mark the second World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Yesterday the Action on Elder Abuse organisation released the UK Study of Abuse and Neglect which made for sobering reading. Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow, who will table an Early Day Motion today calling for the Government to introduce specific legal protections for older people, said the omission of dementia sufferers and care home residents from the report means its findings are "only the tip of the iceberg".

He said his Protection of Adults in Care (Prevention of Harm and Exploitation) Bill will oblige local authorities to investigate suspected abuse and give them power to impose protection orders to safeguard those at risk. "We urgently need to move from a system of voluntary guidance to one with legal protections for vulnerable people," he said.

For more information on taking legal action over elder abuse, fill in our online personal injury claims form for free advice.

Alternatively, visit our elder abuse claims section.