The Alternattiva Demokratika have called for more attention to be given to abuse of the elderly, AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio explained.

Over the past years, the abuse of elderly persons has become a recognised problem by policy makers throughout Europe, Dr Briguglio said. AD believes that while this growing problem may not be so visible, social policy measures are sorely needed to address it in a holistic manner, he stated.

AD spokesperson for Social Policy and Civil Rights Angele Deguara said that although there are various articles in Maltese legislation which deal with the problem of elderly abuse either directly or indirectly, the concept of elderly abuse should be clearly defined and addressed in a more effective way.