A NEW support worker has been appointed for an Aberystwyth University elder abuse research project.

Former Dyfed-Powys Police officer Lynn Rees has joined the Dewis/Choice team which is based in the Centre for the Study of Ageing, Abuse and Neglect at Aberystwyth Law School.

Funded by the National Lottery, the main aim of the £1.3m Choice/Dewis project is to explore welfare and justice opportunities, including civil, criminal and family based approaches, for older people who experience abuse.

Earlier research by the project identified significant difficulties experienced by older victims of elder abuse in accessing domestic abuse support services and pursuing justice options.

As a former police officer Lynn has many years’ experience of working in the areas of domestic abuse and safeguarding, and is looking forward to working with Dewis/Choice partner organisations in Carmarthenshire.

In his role as support worker, Lynn will work with older people in Carmarthenshire who are victims of abuse by family members.

Speaking about his appointment, Lynn said: “This is an important project that addresses the often-hidden problem of the abuse of older people in domestic settings. I look forward to working with the team.”

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