Paul Davies AM has today given his support to Age Cymru's 'Rule Out Abuse' campaign, which calls on the Welsh Government to introduce new legislation to force public authorities to investigate allegations or suspicions of elder abuse. An estimated 39,000 older people in Wales suffer abuse in their own homes with that abuse taking many forms including physical abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

Currently there is no legal obligation on public authorities to investigate when concerns are raised that an adult is at risk of being abused.

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies said: "I am pleased to be backing Age Cymru's Rule Out Abuse campaign which looks to protect some of society's most vulnerable people from harm. Abuse can happen anywhere and is most often carried out by people in a position of trust."

"It is concerning that Wales has the highest rate of elder abuse in the UK and I am committed to working with Age Cymru and other organisations to tackle this problem head on. Over the coming weeks, I will be looking to establish a meeting with the local branch in Pembrokeshire to establish a better understanding of the local challenges facing older people in the county."

The Rule Out Abuse campaign identifies a range of actions which should be taken to better protect adults at risk by increasing awareness and strengthening adult protection processes, so that tackling abuse is given the priority it deserves.

Rhea Stevens Age Cymru's Campaigns Coordinator says: "Age Cymru is delighted that Paul Davies AM has given his support to the campaign. We believe that a clear legislative framework, outlining legal duties for key agencies to tackle abuse, would ensure that individuals are adequately supported through the adult protection processes and that each agency brings their specific expertise to stop incidents of abuse.

"This is why Age Cymru feels that introducing a legal obligation to investigate suspected cases of abuse would be a significant step forward in ruling out elder abuse in Wales once and for all"