A United Nations independent human rights expert has said the sexual abuse and rape of older persons is expected to "grow dramatically".

Rosa Kornfeld-Matte was speaking as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was marked on Saturday.

The day aims to increase awareness of mistreatment of older people, and to highlight the need for appropriate action - including preventive measures.

"The sexual abuse and rape of older persons is a subject rarely discussed, but nevertheless is a reality," Ms Kornfeld-Matte said.

She has called on everyone to "be more attentive and report suspected cases of abuse of older people".

"With the ageing of our societies, this problem is expected to grow dramatically... Without enough data, statistics and studies, we will not have even an estimate of the dimensions involved."

UN independent expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Rosa Kornfeld-Matte | Image: UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre

The human rights expert explained that one of the challenges of sexual abuse is the perpetuation of the myth that it is mainly carried out by strangers.

"Sadly, most abusers are family members, relatives or other confidants typically in caring positions", she added.

"Negative stereotypes, such as that older persons aren't sexual beings, their greater dependency on others, potential divided loyalty to staff members or residents, are unique barriers to reporting, detecting and preventing sexual assault in nursing homes", she said.

"Let me reiterate that awareness and attentiveness is critical.

"Not only relatives and confidants but also staff in hospitals and care facilities must be aware of the existence of sexual assault and that it is their duty as care providers to report alleged or suspected sexual assault in a timely manner".

She has called for more education, training, data and research to address the knowledge gaps around incidence, reporting and investigations.

"Increased public recognition"

Tim Hanly of the HSE's Safeguarding Office said: "All adults have the right to be safe and to live a life free from abuse, regardless of their circumstances.

"The HSE welcomes the recent announcement by the Law Reform Commission of the need for a regulatory framework for Adult Safeguarding which is included in its Fifth Programme of Law Reform.

"There is evidence of increased public recognition of the need for strengthened safeguarding legislation, which was highlighted in research commissioned by Safeguarding Ireland in April 2019."

Minister of State with special responsibility for Older People, Jim Daly, added: "Work is well under way to strengthen adult safeguarding, including safeguarding from elder abuse, across the health and social care sector.

"This will include a revised HSE policy in relation to its front line safeguarding services, new standards developed by HIQA and the Mental Health Commission and my Department's role in formulating an overarching policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector."

Anyone experiencing elder abuse can contact HSELive on 1850-24-1850, Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 8.00pm