Six per cent of elderly people in Wales, mostly women, have experienced abuse, compared with 4.2 per cent in Scotland, 3.9 per cent in England and three per cent in Northern Ireland.

Gary Fitzgerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, has called on the National Assembly to provide funding for extra research.

The figures were revealed today in the UK Study of Abuse and Neglect report, which speaks of abuse ranging from financial fraud to emotional abuse and assault.

Funded by the Department of Health and Comic Relief, the report says that in many cases people are being left in bed or unwashed or left without food or access to the toilet.

Two thirds of abusers are family members, while nearly one in 10 are domiciliary care staff.

Welsh Lib Dem Social Services and Equal Opportunities spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM, said: "This is yet more evidence in favour of Carers' rights. Often the challenges of caring for an elderly relative can result in poor mental health and can lead to some carers being driven to breaking point.

"The figures show how far Wales has to go to be on a par with England. The sooner we give respite to carers and increased levels of information, the better.

"The figures overwhelmingly showed that women were affected most by elder abuse, women also bear the brunt of caring responsibilities. It is clear that a lot more help is needed if women are to have equal treatment in this field as in many others."

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has backed a union campaign to allow working carers to earn more before losing vital benefits.

Mr Lucas joined John Hannett, General Secretary of the retail union USDAW, at Westminster to back the campaign. It aims to persuade the Government to allow more workers who care for severely disabled adults and children to work longer hours but still claim Carers Allowance.

If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse you can phone Action on Elder Abuse on freephone 080 8808 8141 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

More Information on World Elder Rights Issues