Campaign launched to highlight Elder Abuse Awareness Day to Cork public

HSE South West has launched a series of videos and events to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which took place on Sunday.

The main theme of the safeguarding awareness campaign this year is “Loneliness – Connection is Protection”.

In 2024, there were 811 concerns of elder abuse reported to the Safeguarding and Protection Team in HSE South West. The main issue raised was emotional abuse, accounting for 487 reports.

A short series of safeguarding awareness video clips is now available on the HSE South West YouTube channel and on social media. The topics covered include an introduction to safeguarding — using sign language; how to recognise abuse; supporting people to report concerns of abuse, and encouraging elderly people to ‘stay connected’.

Promote awareness 

The HSE South West Safeguarding Team will visit several organisations in the region to promote awareness of the issue.

Cork City Council and Kerry County Council supported the campaign by lighting up their buildings purple, the colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Miriam Tobin, principal social worker, with the Safeguarding and Protection Team said: “There is nothing more lonely or terrifying than feeling unheard.

“An older person who had a large circle of friends, a fulfilling career, or a wide range of exciting hobbies may feel embarrassed or may find it difficult to talk about feeling lonely as they get older,” said Ms Tobin.