Burstow pledges to end elder abuse

12.00.00am GMT Wed 1st Feb 2006

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has pledged his support to the Help the Aged campaign to help stop elder abuse.

Research released by Help the Aged showed that 1 in 8 people had experienced elder abuse, yet 39% had never even heard the term. The campaign challenges the public to sign up to the pledge 'I will' to show their determination to 'help stop elder abuse'.

Paul Burstow, who sponsored the event in the House of Commons is also seeking to stamp out elder abuse through his private member's legislation, Care of Older People (Human Rights) Bill.

Commenting on the campaign Paul Burstow said:

"I am delighted to support Help the Aged's campaign on such a vital issue. Elder abuse includes everything from financial exploitation, emotional bullying and neglect, to violence committed against older people by friends and family. It is shocking indictment of our society that 500,000 older people in the UK are believed to be at risk at any one time."

Kate Jopling, Parliamentary Spokesperson at Help the Aged said:

"Elder abuse is a national scandal which Help the Aged is determined to tackle. Residents in Sutton have a key role to play in helping raise awareness of the issue and knowing what to do if they suspect elder abuse is taking place.

"We're really pleased to have the strong public support of Paul Burstow MP. By registering support through our iwill.co.uk website, pressure will grow on politicians to stop elder abuse."

ENDS.