Actress June Brown urges elderly not to suffer in silence

To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day ( 15 June), actress June Brown has launched a new video to encourage people to speak out on the issue.

Over 500,000 older people experience abuse each year, with the majority suffering in silence. That’s the result of recent data analysis produced by Action on Elder Abuse, which shows that nearly 90% of elderly victims never reach the attention of adult protection systems. Most victims live in the community, not in care homes or other institutions.

Now actress June Brown has lent her voice to a new video encouraging people to come forward and talk to the elder abuse hotline (080 8808 8141).

June said:”It is frightening that so many older people endure appalling neglect and abuse without ever getting the support and help that they need. It’s almost like a silent scream from our friends and neighbours that we have to hear. That’s why I’m encouraging people to talk to Action on Elder Abuse. Help is at hand, we just need people to reach out and grasp it.”

Gary FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Action on Elder Abuse, said:”We are delighted that June has supported this video, which has been produced by people touched by the cruelty of elder abuse. We have to break the silence that surrounds this issue, and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an excellent time to do it, when countries all around the world unite to voice their opposition to this suffering.”

The video can be viewed at: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OJHGMt1XODU