In the latest figures released by the HSE, almost 8,000 cases of adult abuse were reported to the Health Service Executive last year.
This is the first time figures for the reported abuse of adults have been recorded by the State.
The National Safeguarding Committee is starting a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of the abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults in society in an effort to eradicate the problem.
Out of the 7,884 cases, the most common examples of abuse for people aged 64 and up were physical, psychological and financial abuse and neglect.