Abuse and violence against older people
Violence against older people and disregard for their rights is recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the world’s major public health issues.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s response to the scourge of abuse and violence against older people began with the initiative Portugal Mais velho – Por uma sociedade onde os direitos não têm idade (Ageing Portugal – For a society where rights have no age limit), where the analysis of and reflection on laws, public policies and practices related to ageing and violence against older people led to recommendations for all stakeholders. The initiative led to the publication of a report and a brochure, which are available for public access and download.
In line with the recommendations, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and APAV have promoted several projects and social advocacy initiatives among political and society’s decision-makers.
Train carers, educate decision-makers
A project focused on training professionals and raising the awareness of the leaders of organisations that develop activities for older people, focusing specifically on issues of violence, abuse and neglect.
Topics such as unfair and negative perceptions of older people, disregard for their rights and wishes, risk and protection factors, the different types of violence – physical, psychological, financial, etc. – inflicted in the home, in institutions and in society in general are discussed in depth with assistants and technicians who provide or guide senior care.
Over 850 trainees, around 400 organisations, including 51 city and town councils, from the most varied regions of Portugal have already benefited from this initiative, which aims to address the lack of knowledge, the absence of adequate training, and the lack of conditions for best practices, and to encourage change.
Empower and support older people who are victims of crime and violence
A project that, in addition to preparing and protecting older people from possible forms of abuse and violence, is designing a specific model for intervention with older people, in the form of a specialised APAV helpline to support victims of crime and violence.