The Red Cross of Serbia hosted the regional training “Recognizing and Responding to Elder Abuse and Violence Against Older Women” on 2–3 June 2026 in Belgrade, as part of the SHAPE – Strengthening Health, Access, Participation and Social Equity in the Western Balkans project.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of the Republic of Austria and is implemented in cooperation with partners from Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania.

The aim of the training was to strengthen the capacities of Red Cross organizations to recognize, prevent and adequately respond to violence against older women, one of the most hidden and insufficiently recognized forms of violence. Participants had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of different forms of violence, risk factors, barriers to reporting abuse, and available protection and support mechanisms.

The training was delivered by Natasa Todorovic and Dr Milutin Vracevic, experts from the Red Cross of Serbia. Through presentations, case studies, group work and interactive exercises, participants explored the specific characteristics of violence against older women, the intersection of gender discrimination and ageism, and the challenges older women face when seeking help and exercising their rights.

Particular attention was given to recognizing physical, psychological, financial and sexual violence, as well as neglect, and to understanding the complex dependency relationships that can increase the risk of abuse in later life. Participants analyzed practical examples and discussed ways to strengthen intersectoral cooperation and improve community-based support services.

During the regional session, participants shared experiences and practices from Serbia, North Macedonia, Austria and Albania, with the aim of identifying common challenges and opportunities for improving protection systems for older women exposed to violence.

Following the training, a meeting of project partners was held to review the achievements of the SHAPE project to date, discuss planned activities until the end of the project, and explore opportunities for continued cooperation through new regional initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, social inclusion and the protection of the human rights of older persons.

Through its national and international programmes, the Red Cross of Serbia continues to contribute to the prevention of violence, the protection of dignity and the advancement of the position of older persons, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable groups in society.