What: Merton Council takes part in highlighting World Elder Abuse day by releasing a purple balloon for each case of elder abuse reported in 2006-2007.
When: Friday 15 June 2007, 11am
Where: Outside Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX
To mark World Elder Abuse Day, Councillor Margaret Brierly will release 70 purple balloons to draw attention to the number of cases of adult abuse reported in the last year.
The objective of World Elder Abuse Day is to help people understand what elder abuse is and how it can be prevented.
Merton Council works closely with police, CSCI, PCT, Acute Trust, private and voluntary sectors and other councils to ensure that people are protected from abuse in the first place and when it does occur that it is investigated appropriately.
The council carries out a variety of basic awareness training for service users, staff and the public about abuse what it is, signs and symptoms, and how to get help.
Councillor Margaret Brierly, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Services said:
“We want to show that our society does not tolerate any kind of abuse and neglect of older residents.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
· Please contact us if you would like photos from the event.
· The two year study into the extent of abuse and neglect of older people in the UK will be launched on 14 June 2007.
· 70 cases of elder abuse were reported in Merton in 2006-2007.
· Safeguarding adults in Merton is a multi agency approach led by Merton Council. It is overseen by the safeguarding adults manager who ensures that allegations of abuse within Merton are investigated in accordance to procedure and the person is safeguarded from further abuse.