Responding and intervening in elder abuse and neglect

This paper will provide an overview and discussion of the causal and risk factors relating to elder abuse, together with some of the interventions that might be used. The issues and developments that have occurred will be briefly explored. Over the last 10 years there has been increasing global recognition of the abuse and neglect of vulnerable older adults as a social problem in need of attention. A number of European countries have been working in this area but are at different stages of development. The identification of elder mistreatment remains problematic. Techniques of intervention are in quite early stages of development, although some recent progress has been made. A number of national and international organizations have been established. Various research initiatives are underway. Education and training for professionals is taking place concerning recognition of abuse and development of intervention skills. Involvement of the public and in particular older service users themselves in discussion about the issues is an essential next step in the process and public education and awareness-raising are also very important. This paper will explore some of the pertinent issues. Responses to the problem of elder abuse from a number of European countries will be examined. Some reasons for the slow development of this area will be presented and possible future developments will be considered.