Here's a collection and highlights of the reports we've been receiving. Please click the links for the full report.
Our colleagues in British Columbia (BC), Canada are doing wonders in raising awareness of elder abuse throughout the province. The BC Community Response Networks (CRNs) are holding events across BC and the Third Annual Province Wide Online Auction ending June 30th. For more information please visit www.bccrns.ca For for listings of BCCRNs events and activities please click http://www.bccrns.ca/pdf/bcacrn_weaad_news2009.pdf Here are some photo reports of the 2009 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in India. To view all the photo please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/sailesh2000_2000/
Flag of Austria is kindly provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Austria_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Austria image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>  Event Title: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Organization: Department of Social Development and Action on Elder abuse Venue: Victoria Hall, Caledon Location: Corner Hope and Human Street Caledon Date: 18 June Time: 10:30 - 14:00 The focus of the day is to raise the awareness of all members of society, of all ages, not only amongst older persons, around elder abuse. In South Africa, Action on Elder Abuse SA is the official co-ordinator of the day. The theme of WEAAD is My world, your world, our world, free of elder abuse
Reports may be made to the Department of Social Development,
the SA Police or by making a phone call to AEASA s toll free helpline, HEAL
(Halt Elder Abuse Line). HEAL allows callers to remain anonymous if they so
wish.
Fransiskus Kupang, COSE Executive Director – Philippines Flag of the Philippines is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Philippines_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Philippines image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a> INPEA Latinoamérica has created a brochure and notes on elder abuse awareness campaign as well as press kit for the media. More information about the brochure can be found in http://www.inpea.net/home.html Luz Barreto INPEA Latinoamérica representative luxbar1@yahoo.es
Combating elder abuse and neglect on the national level in Israel:
Establishing specialized units within welfare departments in close to 20 local municipalities.
Sara Alon (Ph.D) Elder Abuse- Program Director JDC- ESHEL INPEA National Representative
For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz
Flag of Israel is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Israel_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Israel image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
Report from Germany
Prof. Thomas.Goergen: German Police University, Muenster, Germany INPEA National Rep.
For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz Flag of Germany is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Germany_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Germany image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
Report from Portugal 
José Ferreira-alves, Ph.D , Assistant Professor INPEA National Rep. For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz Flag of Portugal is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Portugal_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Portugal image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a> Report from Norway: 
Prof. Kristin Skjørten Senior researcher at Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Oslo, Norway INPEA National Representative For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz Flag of Norway is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Norway_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Norway image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a> Report from Italy
Dr. Giovanni Lamura I.N.R.C.A. - Istituto Nazionale di Riposo e Cura per Anziani Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Centro di Ricerca Socio-economica e Modelli Assistenziali per l'Anziano (Centre of Socio-economic Gerontological Research) INPEA National Representative. For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz
Flag of Italy is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Italy_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Italy image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
Report from Finland:
The campaign team of Finland organises yearly WEEAD-campaign to raise awareness of and to combat elder abuse. This year the team will have a seminar with the theme "Ethics in Elderly Care".
An association of seniors for advocating seniors' interests in Finland was recently established. One of its most important goals at the moment is to set up an appointment for the ombudsman of seniors into the state administration.
Sirkka Perttu Project Manager, MSc (Health Care), RN Palmenia Centre for Continuing Education University of Helsinki INPEA national Representative. For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz
Flag of Finland is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Finland_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Finland image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
SPANISH REPORT (2009) 
Since 2004 the Centre, in cooperation with the Spanish Confederation of Associations of Elderly Persons (CEOMA), has been contributing to the programme ‘Desatar al Anciano y al Enfermo de Alzheimer’. This programme promotes the abandonment of belts and other methods of physical constraints in the care of elderly and Alzheimer patients.
This year (2009), the Centre is organising the 2nd International Competition on Photography of Violence. In order to contribute to the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the theme is violence against elderly persons.
Other initiatives on elder abuse are also taking place in Spain, among which, it is worth noting the one undertaken by FATEC (Federation of Elder Persons Associations in Catalonia) together with the Autonomous Government of Catalonia.
For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz
Flag of Spain is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Spain_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Spain image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
Report from the UK 
Prof. Simon Biggs Director, Institute of Gerontology King's College London. For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz
flag of UK is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/United-Kingdom_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of United Kingdom image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
Report from AGE, Europe
Isabel Mota Borges, Policy Officer and Project Manager AGE- The European Older People's Platform, Brussels Belgium For more information please click here to view the European WEAAD report compiled by Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, INPEA European Regional Representative http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_30fv2xf4cz
Flag of Belgium is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Belgium_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Belgium image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
Government of Canada launches Elder Abuse Awareness campaign
“Seniors from all walks of life are vulnerable to elder abuse, and it’s happening in communities across Canada,” said Minister Finley. “This national advertising campaign and call for proposals highlight our government’s commitment to raising awareness as a means of combating the abuse of older adults.” According to recent Government of Canada public opinion research on elder abuse, 96 percent of Canadians think most of the abuse experienced by older adults is hidden or goes undetected. It is estimated that between four and 10 percent of seniors – about 345,000 older people – in Canada experience some kind of abuse. “As a society that honours its seniors, we cannot and must not tolerate elder abuse,” said Minister LeBreton. “That is why our government is collaborating with provinces and territories, professional associations and non-governmental organizations to combat elder abuse and ensure that the quality of life of seniors is not diminished by abuse of any kind.” The national advertising campaign, entitled Elder Abuse – It’s Time To Face The Reality, focuses on creating awareness of elder abuse and its many forms: physical, financial, psychological and sexual. The campaign includes television, Internet and print advertisements. The campaign will run from June 15, 2009 until early July and again later this year. For more information on the campaign, visit www.seniors.gc.ca. The call for proposals under the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative will be open from June 15, 2009 to July 24, 2009. The call invites professional associations to apply for funding to adapt, customize and disseminate elder abuse materials for use throughout their organizations. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the call for proposals will fund up to 10 national and Quebec professional associations. The maximum funding is $200,000 per project, over 24 months. To learn more about the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative call for proposals or to apply for funding, visit www.seniors.gc.ca. See attached backgrounder for more information on the Government of Canada’s elder abuse initiatives. For information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. To view the video advertisement on click here Elder Abuse - Its Time To Face The Realtiy Flag of Canada is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Canada_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Canada image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
 “All of us have a role to play in being aware of elder abuse and how to prevent it,” said Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports. “By participating in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we are bringing attention to this serious issue and helping Albertans, including those who work with seniors, to learn more about it.”
The information packages include a service provider screening guide, which will help front-line caregivers and service providers to identify possible cases of elder abuse and assist in situations where elder abuse may be occurring. More information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and elder abuse, including links to the screening guide, posters and fact sheets, is online at www.seniors.alberta.ca by following the elder abuse link.
Flag of Canada is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Canada_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Canada image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a>
Report on the Elimination of Elder Abuse Research in Europe  A Finnish investigation shows that 7% of the women and 2.5% of the men over 65 years have been abused within their families. In most cases the abuse actor is a family member. In order for us to get a society with less or completely without abuse we need more research and documentation about older and family abuse. In many municipalities older abused persons are placed together with other similar persons in a shelter homes. This is not right, because the older persons have special needs, which are not necessarily fulfilled in homes where there are lots of other customers. It is important that older persons can find some tranquility in a sheltered home and come into balance before returning back to normal life again. For more information please contact Veronica Fellman: veronica.fellman@spfpension.fi Flag of Europe Union is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/European-Union_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of European Union image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a> Upcoming Events from INPEA - India to mark 4th WEAAD!  This program will have invited participants only from different Ministries under Central and State Government, UN Agencies and other international and national agencies including NGOs working on ageing issues, other members of civil society, and media on 15th June 2009 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm at India International Centre, Conference Room 2, Lodi Estate, New Delhi. 'Health Awareness Symposium - Towards Well Being of 45 plus population' on 14th June at India International Centre Annexe, Conference Room 3 from 10.30 am to 2 pm This symposium is organized by India Chapter, International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse; Development, Welfare and Research Foundation; National Cancer Society and Rotary International District 3010 Club Delhi Safdarjung. Legal Awareness Symposium to Enhance Quality of Life of Seniors on 15th June from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm at Almataz Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Raod, New Delhi This symposium is organized by of National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (The nodal ministry with the Central Government for dealing with ageing issues); International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse; Development, Welfare and Research Foundation. For more information please contact Dr. Mala Kapur Shankardass: malakapurshankardass@hotmail.com Flag of India is provided by <a href="http://www.expedia.com.au/flags-of-the-world/india-flag.html"><img border="0" src="http://media.expedia.com/media/content/expaus/flags-of-the-world/india-flag-small.gif" alt="India Flag" /></a><br />India Flag by <a href="http://www.expedia.com.au">Expedia.com.au</a> 2008 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in South Africa! Our colleagues in South Africa are working with youth and seniors on WEAAD in South Africa through puppet show, presentations and rally to raise awareness of elder abuse.    Click here to view the Highlights and Photos of 2008 WEAAD South Africa with captions! http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_10hs7gxmgj For more information about the amazing work in INPEA South Africa please contact Pat Lindgren: pat@actiononelderabusesa.co.za Flag of South Africa is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/South-Africa_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of South Africa image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a> Elder Abuse Intervention in Israel:
 Development of the model is based on six cornerstones:
· Establishing a specialized unit within the welfare department at the municipality. · Implementing interventions on the individual (casework & group therapy) and community level (raising awareness) · Providing Legal counseling and representation for the elderly and for elderly victims of abuse. · Establishing Multi-Disciplinary Team · Creating partnerships with professionals from associated services in the community · Training social workers and other professionals · Evaluation (evaluating the extent to which the program has achieved its goals and its contribution to those involved)
Outcomes of the Community model for Elder Abuse intervention A. Social workers estimated that in 67% of the cases there was an improvement in the victim's ability to cope more effectively with the situation (The victim and /or is prepared to receive help, the victim is more assertive). In one-quarter of the cases, the abuse stopped. The study also showed that the greatest improvement was achieved in cases of neglect.
B. At the Welfare Department – awareness to the phenomenon among social workers was raised and as a result, number of identified cases increased. Social workers became more skilled in intervening in elder abuse. C. Interviews with professional partners revealed that awareness to elder abuse was raised. They are more equipped and able to detect elder Click here for the Full Story: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgss7ht9_6hbcc22hd Flag of Israel is provided by <a href="http://www.33ff.com/flags/worldflags/Israel_flag.html" target="_parent" >Flag of Israel image courtesy of 4 International Flags</a> |
Report from 
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 15, 2009— The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister of State (Seniors), today announced the launch of a national awareness campaign on elder abuse, as well as a Federal Elder Abuse Initiative call for proposals. Coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the announcement of these initiatives builds upon the Government of Canada’s work to improve the lives of seniors.