Elder Abuse Scotland
Mr
Charlie Gordon (Glasgow Cathcart) (Lab): 3
May 2006
To ask
the Scottish Executive what the extent of elder abuse is and what
steps it is taking to tackle the issue.
Lewis Macdonald: There have been no recent prevalence studies
undertaken in the UK on elder abuse, although Age Concern Scotland
estimate that between 7% and 9% of older people in Scotland are
victims of at least one form of abuse, with over 40% of victims
suffering more than one kind of abuse. Comic Relief is currently
undertaking a UK-wide study which is due to report in 2007.
The Executive recognises that elder abuse is a serious problem which
can too often remain hidden and it is determined that the abuse of
adults, whether at risk through ageing or disability, will not be
tolerated. We continue to provide financial support to Age Concern
Scotland’s Elder Abuse project to assist its efforts to tackle
abuse.
In addition, on 30 March 2006, the Executive introduced the Adult
Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill. The bill will put in place
modern and strengthened measures to afford greater protection for
those adults in Scotland who are at risk from abuse. It will improve
and enhance protective measures for these adults and will also, in
turn, improve inter-agency co-operation and enhance preventative
action.
