Sir, - Coverage of the Shipman verdicts (The Irish Times, February 1st) serves as a dramatic and disturbing image of the extreme end of a continuum of the phenomenon of elder abuse (11 of the 15 victims were over the age of 65). Internationally, elder abuse is an increasing "social problem", slowly achieving recognition. Dramatic cases of fatal elder abuse can play a part in breaking the silence.
Unlikely to make the headlines, but nonetheless devastating in effect, are other aspects of elder abuse occurring in Ireland today - the older woman beaten by her alcoholic son and trapped in fear; the older man in a nursing home humiliated by a harsh comment; the mother-in-law who sees her savings dwindle through intimidation or deception; the older person denied all social contact by the behaviour of an adult child with whom they live; the muted lives of older battered wives; the older person whose home is "taken over", with care turning into neglect and exploitation. The catalogue of suffering is immense.
The recent establishment of a working party on elder abuse by the Department of Health is a sign of official recognition. There is no doubt that a critical component in reducing the potential for abuse is a public awareness campaign coupled with a culture which facilitates disclosure by older people (sadly very rare), relatives, friends and professionals of suspicions and concerns about elder abuse.
The Shipman case may highlight many impediments to reporting fears and suspicions. The amendment of the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 to cover reporting of abuse of adults - e.g. older people, those with learning disability - would be a significant step forward. Without such policy the suffering may remain hidden. - Yours, etc., Anne O' Loughlin,
PRO Committee, Irish Association of Social Workers, Pearse Street, Dublin 2.