'End neglect and build respect' was the message of this year's World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The National Office for Seniors and Age Concern Bermuda joined an international network of agencies yesterday in drawing attention to abuse which can remain hidden among families, institutions and society.

Elder abuse is classed as physical or emotional hurt to someone over the age of 65. It takes many forms, including financial exploitation, neglect and violation of rights, and takes place both within the family home and in senior care homes.

Members of the public were asked to wear purple to show they care about the issue. This was the third annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and was held in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action which recognises elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.

The Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, the National Office for Seniors and Age Concern joined together to promote awareness on the Island.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler, said: "Seniors are valued members of our society. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity. Abuse of older people is a tragedy inflicted on vulnerable seniors in their homes, within institutions and the community.

"Abuse of seniors should not be tolerated by any society."

The Senior Abuse Registry Act 2008 has made abuse of a senior an offence in Bermuda. It has also established a register of persons who have abused seniors.

Claudette Fleming, executive director of Age Concern, said: "This awareness day is just the beginning. We will continue to coordinate our efforts with Government to achieve procedures for mandatory reporting, reliable statistics and enforceable legislation to protect the seniors in our society from any form of elder abuse of neglect."