Fighting Elder Abuse (Istrina 2010-2013)

The aim of the project was therefore that of creating further recognition of the significance of elder abuse as a public health and a human rights issue, the need for people to understand elder abuse and how it can be prevented, and the necessity for all the relevant stakeholders to kick off initiatives to reach this goal.

Upon the recruitment of the new Coordinator in July 2012, the project continued by setting meetings with various stakeholders at the community level, particularly local council representatives.  These meetings continued throughout 2013. Through these meetings, cooperation was established and agreement was reached to hold talks aimed at raising awareness on elder abuse and the relative support services available within various communities across Malta and Gozo.

In pursuance of this project, cooperation with MAPEA (Maltese Association for the Prevention of Elder Abuse) was sought and strengthened.  Through this cooperation, Victim Support Malta enabled sharing of resources and expertise.  VSM also provided MAPEA with training on victims’ rights.

A poster was designed and various local councils agreed to print and disseminate this poster.  An audiovisual feature was also created. Staff of VSM attended various TV programmes were this issue was discussed.  Features of leading newspapers in both English and Maltese were published in early 2014, when the project reached its final stage.