Causeway Coast and Glens lights up purple as hidden abuse of older people remains a concern

Council's Age Friendly Coordinator Stephanie Scott (left) with Councillor Tanya Elder, Council's Age Friendly Champion.

Older people across the Causeway Coast and Glens are being encouraged to speak out, seek support and help raise awareness of elder abuse as the borough marks the 20th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

On Monday, June 15, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is joining a global campaign aimed at highlighting the abuse, neglect and exploitation experienced by millions of older people worldwide — an issue campaigners say remains widely misunderstood and too often hidden from public view.

To mark the occasion, Cloonavin in Coleraine will be illuminated in purple, the international colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), helping to shine a spotlight on a problem that many victims continue to suffer in silence.

A hidden issue affecting older people

This year’s campaign theme, “Better Understood. Still Overlooked,” reflects growing awareness of elder abuse over the past two decades while recognising that many older people remain vulnerable to harm, isolation and exploitation.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Financial abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

What makes elder abuse particularly difficult to identify is that it often occurs within relationships where there is an expectation of trust, whether involving family members, carers, friends or others known to the victim.

As a result, many older people may feel unable or unwilling to report concerns, leaving abuse hidden from view for extended periods.

Council urges communities to play their part

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council says creating communities where older residents feel safe, respected and connected remains a key priority through its Age Friendly Programme.

Age Friendly Champion Councillor Tanya Elder said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to bring greater attention to an issue that can often go unnoticed.

She said:

“Every older person deserves to feel safe, valued and respected. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to shine a light on an issue that often remains hidden.

“By increasing awareness and encouraging conversations, we can all play a role in recognising the signs of abuse and supporting older people within our communities.”

Growing awareness but challenges remain

The council’s Age Friendly Coordinator Stephanie Scott said increasing life expectancy and an ageing population make protecting older people more important than ever.

She said:

“As our population ages, it is more important than ever that we create communities where older people can live free from fear, abuse and exploitation.

“While understanding of elder abuse has improved over the past twenty years, many older people still feel overlooked and unheard.

“Through the Age Friendly Programme we are committed to promoting dignity, inclusion and respect for older people and encouraging anyone concerned about an older person to seek advice and support.”

The awareness campaign comes as organisations worldwide continue efforts to improve recognition of elder abuse, strengthen safeguarding measures and encourage earlier intervention when concerns arise.

Where to get help

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an older person is encouraged to seek advice and support through Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day information page:

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By raising awareness and encouraging conversations within families and communities, organisers hope more older people will feel empowered to seek help and that fewer cases of abuse will remain hidden behind closed doors.