Hywel Dda University Health Board and partners have helped to raise awareness of older people and domestic abuse to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Established by the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day happens each year on June 15 to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older adults wherever they live throughout the world and to highlight the need for appropriate action.

Glangwili and Withybush Hospitals were among those that hosted awareness raising on older people and domestic abuse in support of the Older Person's Commissioner in Wales priority to ensure that older people where appropriate are recognised as victims of domestic abuse and have equity of access to support.

The event was supported by Hywel Dda UHB and local authority safeguarding children and adult teams, vulnerable children and family team and partners including domestic abuse co-ordinators; Gwalia; Hafan Cymru; Women's Aid and Age Cymru.

Mandy Nichols-Davies, head of safeguarding adults at Hywel Dda UHB, said: "It is estimated that over 34,000 older people in Wales are victims of abuse and there are some older people whose voices are seldom heard and these are often the people who need protection.

"World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an opportunity for us to help raise awareness of the support available and share the message that elder abuse is completely unacceptable and covers neglect, assault, theft, fraud, hate crime, sexual assault, domestic violence and discrimination. We don't know the true extent of abuse or whether older people know how to access support to keep them safe."

Clr. Simon Hancock, responsible for adult services and equalities for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: "Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to the safeguarding of all victims of abuse. However, it is imperative that those at either end of the age range who may be most vulnerable are particularly protected. Multi agency working is the best way forward to combat the wide range of issues facing those most at risk. I am pleased to be part of this Awareness Raising event."

If you believe you or someone else is at significant risk of imminent serious harm contact the police without delay by dialling 999. To obtain the most appropriate support and advice, contact The All Wales National Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 80 10 800 (Freephone) or download an advice leaflet by visiting http://www.olderpeoplewales.com/en/adult_protection">www.olderpeoplewales.com/en/adult_protection