RESUMO
The survey on the prevalence of elder maltreatment in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia wasconducted in a representative sample of older people aged 65 and over (N=960) living in private householdsin different regions in the country (530 females (55.3%) and 430 males (44.7%)). This survey aimed to describethe prevalence of elder maltreatment and to identify risk factors for its occurrence. Results showed that theprevalence of elder maltreatment in this population is high: psychological abuse 25.7%, financial abuse 12%,neglect 6.6%, and physical abuse 5.7%. Of those reporting abuse, 5.6% reported frequent (at least monthly)abuse of one type and 15.7% reported frequent abuse of more than one type. The perpetrator was most often afamily member. Risk factors included female gender, older age, physical or mental ill health, sensory dysfunction,lower household income or education. Strategies are needed for the prevention of elder maltreatment whichinvolve multisectoral action from the health, social and justice sectors.