It's time to start openly discussing elder abuse, according to one cabinet minister.

Seniors Minister Maggie Barry has revealed research indicates around one in 10 seniors will experience some form of abuse - but only a third of those cases will be reported.

"For too long it's been a difficult and sometimes shameful issue to discuss openly," she said on Thursday.

"It is time for that to change."

Speaking on World Elder Abuse Awareness day, Ms Barry said that from next month a new nationwide Elder Abuse Response Service and a 24/7 freephone helpline would improve the way cases were dealt with.

"We must confront this issue, get it out of the shadows and make it clear that it is never acceptable," she said.