Goals: describe the main goals of the good practice

Organizing and consolodating a mutual action programme against elder abuse.

Target Group: which group(s) does the good practice aim at?

Domestic violence agencies in the Noord Holland district, professionals and volunteers working in institutions or independently.

Approach: how is this good practice implemented?

By offering a basic protocol with a clear plan of action and the  information necessary to make a careful decision with regard to reporting elder abuse at one of the domestic violence support centres (ASHG). The protocol includes information on the function and activities of the ASHG as reporting centre for elder abuse. The protocol also includes information on possible things to do after reporting the abuse and mobilizing professional care. 

Who is implementing this good practice? Mention, if relevant, the organisation or persons who do the work.

The Noord-Holland district is commissioner and funder. The protocol was written and distributed online by the Centrum voor Maatschappelijke Ontwikkeling PRIMO-Noord Holland. (Author: Marianne Reij).

The Domestic Violence support centres in the district enhance the implementation by offering training and information on the subject of elder abuse. The protocol contains a short description of the training.

What material is available on this good practice (description, website etc.)

The training tools (PDF, in Dutch only) can be downloaded from: www.protocolouderenmishandeling.nl

How widely is this good practice used in your country?

The protocol is used and distributed by the domestic violence centres, mainly in the Noord-Holland district . However, MOVISIE issues the protocol nationwide to serve as an example.

What are the results, outcomes, experiences with this good practice? Please mention the source(s).

No available data; however, more and more professionals are interested in following the available training

Are there effect studies? Please mention the source(s) if the answer is ‘yes’.

No

What are the success factors?

1. The protocol contains all important information for professionals and volunteers: the plan of action including explanatory notes, information on identification and risk factors, the ASHG and professional confidentiality with regard to reporting elder abuse. The protocol is anticipating the expected 'Reporting code' law.
2. Collaboration between districts, regional knowledge centres and the domestic violence agencies.
3. The action plan is clear and well illustrated. The protocol is based on the national protocol, the basic model reporting code domestic violence and child abuse by the Ministry of  Health, Welfare and sport, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Youth and families (2009).
4. Brochure and PDF material published on accessible website: www.protocolouderenmishandeling.nl.