FIGURES SHOW VULNERABLE ADULTS IN CUMBRIA ARE VICTIMS OF ABUSE
15 June 2009
SHOCK statistics show almost 300 vulnerable adults in Cumbria last year were victims of suspected abuse or neglect.
The council released the figures as a national charity called for a change in the law to give better protection to the most vulnerable, the elderly and those with learning difficulties.
The charity Action on Elder Abuse believes there may be 10 times as many adult abuse victims as the official figures for Cumbria suggest.
The council released its abuse referral figures to highlight the issue in advance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is today.
The council figures show that in the year to March 2009, the authorities received reports about the alleged abuse or neglect of 298 adults in Cumbria.
Of the allegations made, 135 were claims of physical abuse, 76 of financial abuse and 33 suggested neglect.
A third of the alleged victims were in residential care homes but most – around 150 – were in their own home.
Nationally, experts estimate that one in 40 people aged over 65 and living in private households experienced neglect or abuse from a relative, carer or neighbour in the last year.
Chief Inspector Paul Duhig, of Cumbria police, said the abuse of elderly and other vulnerable adults was clearly under-reported.
He said: “Sadly, most adults who are abused are abused by somebody they know and we want people to have the confidence to know that if they get in touch their concerns will be dealt with sensitively.
“Cumbria Constabulary is a key member of the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board, which has worked hard to establish effective interagency communication so that we can share information and work together to manage the risks posed by potential offenders and try to prevent vulnerable adults from being abused.”
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