Editing Violence (section)

==== Elder maltreatment ====
{{Main|Elder abuse}}
Elder maltreatment is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.

While there is little information regarding the extent of maltreatment in elderly populations, especially in developing countries, it is estimated that 4–6% of elderly people in high-income countries have experienced some form of maltreatment at home<ref>Sethi et al. [http://www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/Life-stages/healthy-ageing/publications/2011/european-report-on-preventing-elder-maltreatment "WHO European report on preventing elder maltreatment"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122231547/http://www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/Life-stages/healthy-ageing/publications/2011/european-report-on-preventing-elder-maltreatment |date=2013-01-22 }}, 2011</ref><ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Cooper C, Selwood A, Livingston G | year = 2008 | title = The prevalence of elder abuse and neglect: a systematic review | journal = Age Ageing | volume = 37 | issue = 2| pages = 151–60 | doi=10.1093/ageing/afm194 | pmid=18349012| doi-access = free }}</ref> However, older people are often afraid to report cases of maltreatment to family, friends, or to the authorities. Data on the extent of the problem in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are scarce. Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. Elder maltreatment is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.

Many strategies have been implemented to prevent elder maltreatment and to take action against it and mitigate its consequences including public and professional awareness campaigns, screening (of potential victims and abusers), caregiver support interventions (e.g. stress management, respite care), adult protective services and self-help groups. Their effectiveness has, however, not so far been well-established.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Ploeg Jenny |author2=Fear Jana |author3=Hutchison Brian |author4=MacMillan Harriet |author5=Bolan Gale | year = 2009 | title = A Systematic Review of Interventions for Elder Abuse | journal = Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect | volume = 21 | issue = 3| pages = 187–210 | doi=10.1080/08946560902997181|pmid=19827325 |s2cid=42017274 }}</ref><ref>Pillemer K et al. "Interventions to prevent elder mistreatment". In: Doll LS et al., eds. ''Handbook of injury and violence prevention''. New York, Springer, 2008.</ref>