Violence and related forms of abuse against elders is a global public health and human rights problem with far-reaching consequences, resulting in increased death, disability, and exploitation with collateral effects on well-being. Data suggest that at least 10 percent of elders in the United States are victims of elder maltreatment every year. In low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of violence is the greatest, the figure is likely even higher. In addition, elders experiencing risk factors such as diminishing cognitive function, caregiver dependence, and social isolation are more vulnerable to maltreatment and underreporting. As the world population of adults aged 65 and older continues to grow, the implications of elder maltreatment for health care, social welfare, justice, and financial systems are great. However, despite the magnitude of global elder maltreatment, it has been an underappreciated public health problem.
The IOM will host a 2-day public workshop on global elder abuse and its prevention. Using an ecological framework, this workshop will explore the burden of elder abuse around the world, focusing on its impacts on individuals, families, communities, and societies. Additionally, the workshop will address occurrences and co-occurrences of different types of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial, as well as neglect. The ultimate objective is to illuminate promising global and multisectoral evidence-based approaches to the prevention of elder maltreatment.
The workshop will be planned and conducted by an ad hoc committee that will develop the workshop agenda, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. Experts will be drawn from the public and private sectors as well as from academic organizations to allow for multi-lateral, evidence-based discussions. Following the conclusion of the workshop, an individually-authored summary of the event will be prepared by a designated rapporteur. The workshop will be free and open to the public.