Eastenders star June Brown urges older people suffering in silence to call elder abuse hotline

June Brown best known for playing Dot Cotton in Eastenders, is in a new video encouraging older people who are being abused, to ring the free Action on Elder Abuse hotline.

Over 500,000 older people experience abuse each year, with the majority suffering in silence, according to recent data analysis produced by Action on Elder Abuse, which shows nearly 90 per cent of elderly victims never reach the attention of adult protection systems.

Most older people being abused live in the community, not in care homes or other institutions.

June Brown 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, added: “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.”

A report published by Comic Relief at the end of 2013 revealed that nearly a tenth of older people experience abuse in the community.

The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJHGMt1XODU.

People can call the elder abuse free hotline on 080 8808 8141.

For further information on Action on Elder Abuse go to website: www.elderabuse.org.uk