Just one person in Dorset was charged with abusing an elderly person in 18 months, it has been revealed, as campaigners call for a change in the law.

In response to a Freedom of Information Request, Dorset Police said between April 2015 and September 2017, officers carried out 15 enquiries involving 15 victims but have charged only one person with abuse.

Across England, information provided by 38 police forces in response to the request by Older Living Matters (OLM) showed there were 1,257 police investigations of abuse by carers and care providers but more than 93 per cent (1,175) resulted in no charges.

A spokesperson for OLM said the responses showed the key cause was the law itself – which came into force in April 2015 and introduced criminal offences of care abuse and neglect.

He added: “A law intended to crack down on abuse is actually frustrating attempts to prosecute abusers.”

OLM also claimed police responses suggested offences were not being pursued vigorously in all regions.

Approximately 40 per cent of investigations, more than 460 in total, were conducted by just two police forces, while 13 others admitted they had investigated fewer than ten cases since the law was introduced.

Campaigners, including Action on Elder Abuse, believe thousands of abuse cases a year go uninvestigated.

A spokesperson for OLM said: “It is a disgrace that older and vulnerable people are subject to criminal abuse and neglect while the authorities appear powerless to prosecute their abusers – even in cases of serious harm, injury and, even, death.

“These FOI responses shine a very worrying light on what we, as a country, are prepared to allow to happen to our most vulnerable citizens.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said they had a dedicated ‘Adult at Risk’ team which worked closely with partner agencies to identify abuse and ensure it is thoroughly investigated but urged members of the public to report any concerns of abuse.

The spokesman added: “If anyone believes someone is being abused or exploited they should not hesitate to contact the police or contact their local adult social services as they also have a duty to safeguard vulnerable people.” 

Last year, the Echo revealed hundreds of elderly people in Dorset were at risk from abuse and neglect, as in October 2016, approximately 300 allegations of abuse or neglect were being investigated by local authorities.

Barrie Crook, independent chair of the Dorset Safeguarding Adults Board said the board had tried to raise awareness of elder abuse through a poster campaign and interviews on local radio stations.

“The board also assures itself that where there are allegations of abuse and neglect by care providers, they are fully investigated,” he said.

To report abuse, contact Dorset County Council on 01305 221016 or 01202 657279 at evenings or weekends or call 101 for police and dial 999 in an emergency.