'Ageing in Scotland: Justice, Injustice & Protection' How can we continue to make Scotland a just and safe place for older people?
Action on Elder Abuse wants to make the abuse of older people as socially unacceptable as child or animal abuse. We believe more needs to be done to raise awareness of the realities of the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people, and crucially, to ensure our response to the problem is given the priority it deserves. While good progress has been made in Scotland, we want to ensure that all agencies with a responsibility towards older people work together to ensure they are afforded the same respect, support and protection as other groups.
This year's conference will therefore consider:
Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Keynote address Mr Yousaf will highlight the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting older people throughout the criminal justice process, and outline recent developments in relation to proposals for tackling hate crime and elder abuse. | |
Steven Fitzpatrick A personal perspective on elder abuse Steven is a passionate advocate for tackling elder abuse, and will tell his ongoing story of his fight for justice for his elderly father. He will highlight how abuse of power of attorney resulted in Steven's father being unable to see much of his family, his battle to put things rights, and his recommendations for change. | |
Sandra McDonald Director, Ex-PG Regard or Disregard, that is the question? How much regard do you have to take of an attorney, or guardian; can you disregard their instruction? Former Public Guardian Sandra McDonald will give us the legal position on this regular, and challenging, dilemma. | |
Paul Greenwood (workshop via video-link) Retired Deputy District Attorney, San Diego British-born Paul, will provide a unique comparison of criminal law in Britain and California, highlighting the strengths of the Californian legal framework, where elder abuse is specifically criminalised. Practising as a solicitor in the UK for 13 years, and 22 years prosecuting serious criminal elder abuse cases in California, Paul will present his compelling argument for the UK adopting a criminal elder abuse statute. | |
Kathryn Mackay & Dr Fiona Sherwood-Johnson (workshop) Stirling University Kathryn and Fiona will present the findings of their recent research into older people's perceptions of safety and vulnerability; and consider the implications of their findings for health and social care practitioners. |
Front-line staff and managers in the following sectors: