Abuse of the Elderly (From World Report on Violence and Health, P 123-145, 2002, Etienne G. Krug, Linda L. Dahlberg, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-197425)

• NCJ Number: 197430
• Author(s): Rosalie Wolf; Lia Daichman; Gerry Bennett
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: World Health Organization
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Switzerland
• Note: Downloaded October 22, 2002.

Annotation

After defining "elder abuse," this chapter considers the extent of this problem, its risk factors, its consequences, what can be done to prevent elder abuse, and recommendations for improving countermeasures.

Abstract

The definition of "elder abuse" developed by Action on Elder Abuse in the United Kingdom and adopted by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse is as follows: "Elder abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person." Such abuse may include physical harm, psychological or emotional abuse, financial or material abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. A review of data on the extent of the problem distinguishes between the occurrence of elder abuse in domestic settings and institutional settings. An analysis of the risk factors for elder abuse focuses on individual factors (personality disorders, alcohol problems, etc.); relationship factors (stress, relationship between the caregiver and the care recipient, and aggressive behavior by the care recipient); and community and societal factors (poverty, lack of stability and social security, lack of respect for the elderly, and tension between traditional and new family structures). A discussion of the consequences of elder abuse focuses on both domestic settings and institutional settings. Suggestions for what can be done to prevent elder abuse focus on responses at a national level and local responses. Responses encompass social services, health care, legal action, and education and public awareness campaigns. Recommendations pertain to greater knowledge, stronger laws, and more effective prevention strategies. "Boxes" within the chapter briefly discuss witchcraft and the threat of violence in the United Republic of Tanzania, the Japan Elder Abuse Prevention Center, and a Canadian school curriculum to prevent elder abuse. 1 figure, 1 table, and 67 references