The Worldwide Face of Elder Abuse

Book excerpt: This book provides a picture of the abuse of older adults, organized by World Health Region and locating the problem within an area’s historic and present societal treatment of older persons. An actual and emblematic case study of the abuse of an older adult frames each chapter. Using the case study as a touchstone, each chapter guides the reader’s understanding of elder abuse in the region or country through the use of empirical data and research on the problem, explaining its usefulness and limitations as well as guiding frameworks utilized to address the problem. The book highlights the efforts of leading figures in each area or region who are addressing the problem, explaining existing policies and future initiatives to address the abuse of older adults. By providing a holistic and person-centered picture of the issue and problem of elder abuse, based on actual experiences as well as national and international statistics and research and politics and policy, this book is an invaluable resource for students, academics, social service practitioners, health professionals, law enforcement, and policymakers around the world.