'This is ageism in action, where abuse of older women is considered less worthy of attention'

The story of Emily and all other abuse victims must drive change in Irish society, ensuring all women, regardless of age or health, are supported when they report abuse

Older people and people with disabilities, particularly those in care settings, are not viewed as equal citizens with equal rights in modern Ireland. File picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Horrifying, unbelievable, gut-churning.

These were the words used by people who read the grim details of both the National Independent Review Panel (NIRP) report on the rape of an older woman ‘Emily’ and a HSE social work review in the nursing home where Emily lived.