Reports
Seven national reports were written in English on the status quo of violence against older women within the family and how staff in health and social services can recognise and act accordingly. Four reports (Austria, Finland, Italy and Poland) included a literature review as well as results of interviews with health and social service staff on their experiences as well as a short survey with health and social service organisations, on which provisions they have for dealing with abuse against older women within families.
A European report summarises the most important results of the national reports and points out the differences and similarities.
In order to discuss the national reports and the European summary report, an international expert meeting took place from 21-22 February, 2008 in Vienna. All in all 25 participants attended the meeting and experts from the UK (Bridget Penhale), Germany (Barbara Nägele, Ruth Brand), Austria (Rosemarie Kurz, Barbara Michalek), Italy (Barbara Pezzilli), Poland (Maja Kuzmicz) and Finland (Sirkka Perttu) could be welcomed. The results of the expert meeting were also used as basis for compiling the awareness raising brochures.