CPS right to prosecute abusers, but victims need protection

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jul 2008

A policy statement by the CPS raising the profile of elder abuse is welcome as far as it goes, says MP Paul Burstow, campaigner for older people's rights.

Paul Burstow MP, who leads a delegation of charities tomorrow (Wed 16th) to lobby the Prime Minister for new laws to protect vulnerable adults from abuse said:

"The CPS are right to send a clear message that elder abuse won't be tolerated. Making it clear that prosecutions are in the public interest is a step in the right direction.

"The CPS focus on punishing the abusers still leaves a protection gap for the victims. The law does not treat abuse of vulnerable adults as seriously as domestic violence and child abuse. There is no legal duty to investigate abuse nor powers to safeguard the victims".

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Paul Burstow MP will be leading a delegation of charities, Action on Elder Abuse, Alzhiemer's Society, Community and District Nurses Association to see the Prime Minister to make the case for a new law to investigate cases of abuse and safeguard vulnerable adults.

Such duties and powers have already been introduced in Scotland.