Elder Abuse Awareness Day

15th June 2026

Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse is not a taboo subject and never should be.


To mark the day, my team has been collaborating with partners, including Cyfannol Women’s Aid, to raise awareness of elder abuse among communities and professionals who support older people. Conversations with people in their communities are vital to ensure we reach everyone.


The team attended unpaid carers’ events in Newport and Blaenau Gwent and engaged with visitors at Nevill Hall Hospital. During the sessions, conversations focused on raising awareness of the signs of abuse and highlighting organisations that can offer help and support.

While awareness-raising initiatives like Elder Abuse Awareness Day are important, raising awareness of abuse is something I am committed to 365 days a year.


Abuse can happen to anyone and can take many forms. It is important that we can all recognise the signs, especially in older people. Vulnerability and trust can sometimes be used by abusive individuals to control and overpower victims. Abuse in older people can also become normalised by the victim themselves. I want everyone to know the signs and understand that this is not OK. The Gwent Safeguarding Board offers excellent advice and support to anyone who is worried about someone they love, care for, or an elderly neighbour.

 

Understanding abuse in older people

Physical abuse
This can include hitting, shaking, burning, slapping, or punching. Cuts and/or bruises may appear as a result. Dehydration and/or malnutrition can also occur, leading to weight loss. Victims may be isolated from health and care services.

Emotional abuse
Reluctance to talk openly, put-downs and humiliation, and threats of harm or abandonment by the perpetrator. This can also include isolation from family and friends.


Financial abuse
Changes to a person’s banking, will, or assets. Unpaid bills when someone else is meant to be paying them, excessive care costs, valuable items disappearing, and a lack of basic, affordable amenities.


Sexual abuse
Being forced to take part in sexual activities, or exposure to online grooming or exploitation. Being forced to look at, take part in, or be involved in the production of pornographic material. Encouraging a person to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.


Neglect
The ongoing failure by a caregiver to provide adequate food and water, access to medical care, or attention to a person’s emotional needs.


Domestic abuse
An incident or pattern of threatening, degrading, controlling, or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, by a partner, ex-partner, or family member.


We all need to understand the signs and know how to seek help and support.


Live Fear Free (0808 801 0800) provides 24/7 confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, or other forms of violence in Wales.


Gwent Safeguarding
If you are worried about the safety of an older person who may be at risk, contact Gwent Safeguarding via www.gwentsafeguarding.org.uk.
If it is an emergency outside of office hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 0800 328 4432.