ELDER ABUSE

Early day motion 1499, tabled 26 January 2006 by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 189 members.

That this House condemns the abuse of older people as a national shame; supports the Help the Aged campaign, which is being taken forward in partnership with Action on Elder Abuse, to raise awareness of abuse and increase recognition that all should take responsibility for putting a stop to the abuse of older people; believes that older people have the right to live free from fear and harm; urges immediate action to prevent and tackle elder abuse; and calls for improved mechanisms to address elder abuse through more effective regulatory systems and law enforcement, vetting and barring of health and social care workers and increased access to advocacy and support for people affected by elder abuse.

Signatures by party: Labour 92, Conservative 41, Liberal Democrat 40, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Scottish National Party 2, Respect 1, UUP 1.