World Elder Abuse Awareness 2008: Online Global Forum

Throughout the world, abuse and neglect of older persons has been largely under-recognized or under-treated as an unspoken problem. Today, it is increasingly being seen as an important problem but may also be likely to grow as many countries experience rapidly aging populations. Similar to other types of violence, abuse of the elderly includes physical, financial, sexual and psychological abuse, as well as neglect.

On June 16, 2008, we will observe the 3rd Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). In recognition of this important event, AARP International is hosting a two-week online forum of experts from around the world. The aim of this online dialogue is to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by facilitating a global discussion among key national experts to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Be sure to visit www.aarpinternational.org/weaad08 from June 1 through June 16, 2008 to read insights shared by experts and raise your own questions on policy issues related to elder abuse. Naomi Karp, Strategic Policy Advisor at AARP's Public Policy Institute will facilitate this discussion.

For more information about the 3rd Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, visit the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) website at: www.inpea.net.

Source: http://www.aarpinternational.org/conference/conference_show.htm?doc_id=671481