HSE received 2,110 referrals of elder abuse in 2010

MORE than 50 cases of elder abuse referred to gardaí last year resulted in legal action — a 40% increase from the previous year, HSE figures have revealed.

Last year, the HSE received 2,110 referrals of elder abuse, up 10% on 2009, including physical, financial and sexual abuse, neglect, and discrimination. There was consultation with the gardaí on 215 cases last year, with notification to gardaí of 283 cases in total.

Of those, 103 cases involved legal consultation, with 53 progressing to legal action. Domestic violence, ward of court and powers of attorney were the dominant actions undertaken.