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Abstract:
Similar to other social groups auto- and heterostereotype of the elderly differ very much. In our society the elderly try very hard not to face the reality of becoming older, whereas younger people label them with this attribute in a very early stage. Being old is connected with mostly negative characteristics. In this youth oriented society the elderly are not only individually victimized but they are also victimized by social structures and institutions. The real amount of victimization of the elderly can not only be analysed from crime reports and statistics. In those statistics only the elderly woman is overrepresented as victim of purse snatch. In other areas the elderly are less victimized than other groups. This is partially caused by social isolation and retirement of the elderly. In the United States there are many programs helping to prevent crime against the elderly and helping them after they have been victimized. During the last few years similar programs were started in Germany. American and German prevention and victim advocate programs are described.