Reported cases of domestic violence against elderly people have more than doubled over the past five years, according to police figures.  Last year the police received 86 reports of domestic violence on victims over 60 – a sharp rise over the 39 filed in 2009.

The figures show a gradual increase in reported cases, with 39 in 2010, 57 cases in 2011 and 77 in 2012. Domestic violence may be physical, sexual or psychological and may include neglect.

There were also more reported cases of bodily harm – which include different grades of injury – against the elderly, with 81 cases reported last year, up from 62 in 2012 and 56 cases in 2011. 

Last month Roberta Lepre, the director of voluntary organisation Victim Support Malta, pointed out that more attention had to be focused on reaching out to elderly people who were victims of crime – be it domestic violence or any other form of abuse. In most cases the abusers are either relatives or carers, she said.

More in Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.