Action on Elder Abuse announce objectives for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), in support of which leading campaigners Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) are launching an information booklet with the help of the Metropolitan Police and television presenter Esther Rantzen.

It is hoped the booklet ‘little book of big scams’ will prove a useful tool for educating families, communities and individuals of the methods scammers and rogue traders use when targeting older and vulnerable people.

AEA chief executive Gary FitzGerald says: “Scammers take millions of pounds from vulnerable people in the UK each year, causing financial hardship and distress to people who often have limited capability to cope with the impact. It is therefore crucial that we help people understand and protect themselves from these ruthless thieves. I commend the work of the Metropolitan Police in producing such a useful booklet.”

Together with the booklet, being launched at Scotland Yard today, AEA have also announced a consultation of further legislative powers needed to safeguard vulnerable people from abuse and isolation, as well as announcing the development of a new helpline service to be launched next year, also in collaboration with Esther Rantzen.

Mr FitzGerald continues: “We know from our discussions with Adult Safeguarding staff and calls to our helpline, that there are situations in which abusers can deny access and protection to their victims. The Government and Safeguarding agencies need to consider how we overcome these obstacles and provide genuine protection to people.”