A LOCAL initiative has helped to highlight a growing national problem by contributing to a television series.
Representatives of the Action on Elder Abuse scheme in Sunderland collaborated with the BBC on the production of five recently aired programmes examining abuse of the elderly.
Entitled Britain's Secret Shame, it focused on the problem at nursing homes, care homes and hospitals, as well as from the point of view of unpaid carers.
Gary Fitzgerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, said: "It is impossible for society to imagine what is happening to some vulnerable adults.
"In Sunderland, we are trying to uncover this culture of secrecy and denial by providing a framework of protection for those vulnerable adults who are most at risk of abuse, including the elderly."
Joanne Pell, Sunderland's adult protection development officer, can be contacted on 0191-566 1625.
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