Research shows that violence towards the elderly occurs on a vast scale, while the level of awareness of this problem is low, both among the elderly and those around them. This severely hinders measures to reach victims. The system of combating violence in the family in Poland, which is based on the Act on Combatting Violence in the Family, the Blue Card Procedure, and Interdisciplinary Violence Prevention Teams, is in general ineffective and is not suited to the specific nature of cases of violence towards the elderly.
Under the project, systemic tools will be developed to defend elderly persons who face the threat of violence and public awareness of the problem will increase.
The project includes meetings and work by experts, interviews and analysis of the data encountered, training for doctors, and a pilot scheme for the new tools. Forms will be devised for doctors for conducting violence risk assessment and containing information on the procedure to be followed. The project also envisages monitoring of laws on violence towards the elderly, publication of a report, and advocacy measures. A nationwide campaign will also be conducted, directed towards witnesses of violence on the subject of violence, how to react, and providing support for the elderly.