Mohammed T. Abou-Saleh

ELDER ABUSE 773autonomous choice for the victim and avoid paternalistic actionthat seeks to provide a speedy resolution, perhaps throughinstitutionalization. Accurate identification of unmet care needsshould generate planned and effective care strategies, whichengender safety without intrusion. Given that abuse may bemultidirectional, attention may need to be focused on both victimand abuser.While overtly criminal activity, such as theft or assault, may bedealt with by prevailing criminal law, most countries haveeschewed a legislative approach to elder abuse, relying insteadupon health and social service agencies to develop locallyapplicable policies and procedures. In the USA mandatoryreporting laws have achieved only limited success and professionalsremain unfamiliar with reporting procedures 30 . 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