A Maltese Association for the Prevention of Elder Abuse has been set up to advocate and improve the lives of older people suffering any form of abuse.

It will also carry out research to help formulate public policy and information.

It will be launched tomorrow evening at the Hotel Le Meridien, St Julians. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Elderly people subjected to abuse often suffer in silence.

These individuals are often frightened, cannot help themselves and would not speak out because their abuser is often a member of their own family, an acquaintance or even a caregiver on whom they depend. They fear retribution, embarrassment, lack of care and institutionalisation.

www.apeamalta.com