New help is available for elderly victims of abuse in Fife, with the launch of the first project of its kind in Scotland.
People who have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused will be given support to rebuild their lives by Action on Elder Abuse.
A team of volunteers will also be available to assist those who have been robbed, defrauded or scammed of money.
The charity’s recovery programme has already helped victims in the south of England but the arm set up in Fife is the first north of the border.
If proven to be a success, it will be extended to other parts of Scotland.
In Fife, it is estimated around 7,500 older people may be affected by abuse, including physical and sexual assault, psychological torment and neglect, every year.
Project coordinator Ian Sloan said that figure may be the tip of the iceberg, as many are reluctant to report the abuse, which is sometimes perpetrated by a family member or trusted friend.
He said: “If it’s severe physical abuse and someone ends up in A&E, it’s very visible but emotional, sexual, financial abuse can remain quite hidden.
“If it’s by a family member, initially the victim might not want to make an issue of it.”
Where a crime has been committed the victim can continue to suffer for a long time after police, court and social work involvement.
Ian said: “That person needs to recover from their experience and get back to where they were before.
“They may have become isolated, stopped meeting friends or going to clubs and groups which they did previously.
“There is the emotional damage, the loss of confidence and willingness to go out in public, the risk that it might happen again.”
Referrals to the project can be made by victims themselves, relatives or friends or by social work services, medical professionals or other agencies.
Volunteers will be matched to clients and, following an initial phone call, will meet them face-to-face if the client feels comfortable to do so.
The project aims to go much further than general befriending services, focusing on recovery, building resilience and helping people to regain their independence.
Ian said: “There is the potential for this project to help so many people. We now need to make people aware we here and we are willing to help.
“We know this works in other parts of the country, so let’s hope we can provide a service to the people of Fife.”
The Fife project has been supported by the Big Lottery Fund and the Robertson Trust.
More information can be obtained at www.elderabuse.org.uk/scotland or by contacting Ian on 07464 737157 or iansloan@elderabuse.org.uk.
