Denial of Elder Mistreatment by Victims and Abusers: The Application of Neutralization Theory

• NCJ Number: 127249
• Journal: Violence and Victims Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1990) Pages: 171-184
• Author(s): S K Tomita
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article uses neutralization theory to explain how both abusers and victims rationalize the domestic abuse of elderly persons. Intervention techniques are described.

Abstract

Before applying neutralization theory to abuse of the elderly, the article explains the scope and nature of abuse of the elderly, explores causal theories, and discusses current research that relates to these theories. Neutralization theory holds that internalized social norms and moral standards are neutralized within the doer of deviant acts through a process of rationalization or justification of the acts. Some techniques of neutralization are denial of responsibility, denial of injury to the victim, blame attributed to the victim, condemnation of those who disapprove of the abuse, appeal to higher loyalties, the defense of necessity, and the rationalization that the abuse is but a minor deviation from a life filled with good deeds. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of neutralization theory for the treatment of the abused elderly victim and the treatment of the abuser. 39 references