Conclusion: the number of reported cases of abuse in Ireland indicates an under-reporting of elder abuse. The classificationof almost half of the cases as inconclusive is a stimulus to further analysis and research, as well as for revisionof classification and follow-up procedures. The provision of services to a wide range of referrals demonstrated a therapeuticadded benefit of specialist elder abuse services. The national database on elder abuse referrals provides valuableinsight into patterns of elder abuse and the nature of classification and response. The pooling of such data between
European states would allow for helpful comparison in building research and services in elder abuse