Alleged abuse of vulnerable adults a 'disturbing reality in Irish society'

The number of referrals of concern to the HSE's safeguarding watchdog over alleged abuse of vulnerable adults increased by 14% last year and remains a "disturbing reality in Irish society".

The HSE’s National Safeguarding Office (NSO) Annual Report for 2018 shows there were 11,780 safeguarding concerns received by the HSE last year, with other service users or peers of the person allegedly causing the concern in 53% of all cases, followed by an immediate family member in 14% of cases and staff or other both at 11%.