New guide on elderly crime victims

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Legal experts said crimes against older people are vastly underestimated because many victims do not report them through fear or embarrassment.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it is determined to see those who prey on society's most frail and vulnerable citizens brought to justice.

Draft guidelines were published on Wednesday setting out how prosecutors will bring cases against suspected offenders and support victims.

The CPS said special measures, such as video links between courts and the homes of victims, could help increase the number of successful cases.

Launching the draft policy, director of public prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald said targeting such offences should be a priority for society.

He said: "We want older people, their families, communities and the general public to be confident that the CPS understands the serious implications of crimes against older people. We will work with police, health and social care agencies, voluntary and community organisations, not only to gather evidence but to support older people during a case.

"If there is any evidence that there is an aggravating element to an offence based on a victim's age, we will draw it to the attention of the court.

"Safety and security and the right to live free from the fear of crime, arising from mistreatment or abuse, are fundamental rights and go to the core of older people's sense of wellbeing.

"Feeling and being unsafe, or 'at risk', has a significant negative impact on older people's health and sense of wellbeing and can leave them isolated and unable to participate socially and economically in their community."