The number of cases of elderly abuse has more than doubled in just two years, it was revealed today.
Victims have been subject to horrific physical and sexual abuse, often from close relatives, Age Concern said.
Many incidents involved domestic violence, with those targeted often afraid to report the perpetrator.
"It is usually someone in a position of trust, often a relative or partner, or care worker," Age Concern head of policy Elaine Campbell said.
"It is about a controlling relationship, abusing a position of trust."
A total of 1,185 allegations were recorded by health and social services boards between the 2002/03 and 2006/07 financial years.
There were 180 incidents in 2004/05 and 406 in 2006/07, with most cases in the Eastern Health Board area.
PA
