Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will illuminate its Coleraine headquarters, Cloonavin, in purple on Monday 15 June to mark the 20th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The global campaign seeks to draw attention to the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people, which campaigners say often remains hidden.

This year's theme, "Better Understood. Still Overlooked," acknowledges two decades of progress in recognising elder abuse while highlighting the suffering that many older victims still endure in silence. The council's Age Friendly Programme is encouraging residents to stand against all forms of mistreatment, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial and sexual abuse, as well as neglect.

Council representatives said the problem is made worse because it frequently occurs within relationships of trust, leaving victims reluctant to report concerns. Age Friendly Champion Councillor Tanya Elder stated that every older person deserves to feel safe and respected, and that the awareness day helps to shine a light on an issue often hidden from public view. She urged communities to learn the signs of abuse and to support vulnerable older people.

Age Friendly Coordinator Stephanie Scott said that as the population ages, creating communities where older people can live free from fear is increasingly important. While understanding has improved, she noted, many older people still feel overlooked and unheard. The programme works to promote dignity, inclusion and respect, and encourages anyone worried about an older person to seek advice.

Information and support can be found on the council's website, under the World Elder Abuse Day page. The lighting of Cloonavin in the international colour of the campaign is intended to prompt wider conversation, with the hope that fewer cases will remain hidden behind closed doors.