Population aging is occurring worldwide. Reports of abuse and neglect of older men and women are also evident on a global basis. While much of the work on identification, treatment and prevention of abuse of older persons has been within the family setting, it cannot be separated from the broader experience of growing old in contemporary society. Time and time again, issues around legislation, policy and practice collide with human rights, societal attitudes and stereotypes.

Raising awareness of the link?among aging, ageism and abuse, is one goal of this book and a necessary first step in the battle to eliminate abuse and neglect of older persons. But awareness is not enough, action needs to be taken to develop, case finding procedures and remedial and preventive policies and programs that are elder-friendly both in intent and in the way that they are implemented. This book offers a thought-provoking examination of selected current policies and programs that have been developed within the health, social services and criminal justice systems. It highlights the special issues and vulnerabilities of older women, older men and persons from the LGTB community. It also features a unique approach to reaching young people through an educational program that shapes attitudes and behavior via graphic art.

Feature

• Clear, straightforward writing style - reader does not have to contend with murky theories and obscure references
• Practical approach ? readers can relate to the examples that are provided of situations in which abuse and neglect has or can occur

AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Charmaine Spencer and Gloria Gutman

CHAPTER 2 - SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL POLICY RESPONSE TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF OLDER ADULTS Patricia Brownell

CHAPTER 3: ABUSE IN LATER LIFE: WHEN AND HOW DOES GENDER MATTER? Jill Hightower

CHAPTER 4 - THE INVISIBLE PROBLEM OF ABUSED OLDER MEN Jordan I. Kosberg

CHAPTER 5 - ABUSE OF LESBIAN, GAY, TRANSGENDER AND BISEXUAL ELDERS Chris Morrissey

CHAPTER 6 - UNION PERSPECTIVES ON ABUSE PREVENTION IN LONG-TERM CARE: CURRENT SITUATION, FUTURE POSSIBILITIES Marcy Cohen

CHAPTER 7- ABUSE OF OLDER ADULTS: AN ONTARIO CRIMINAL JUSTICE PERSPECTIVE Patricia Fleischmann

CHAPTER 8 ? SENECA COLLEGE’S DESIGN FOR SOCIAL CHANGE COURSE: AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION IN AN ELDER ABUSE SOCIAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN Paul Shecter and Patricia Fleischmann