NCJ Number
146703
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (1993) Pages: 27-36
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The author examines stereotypes of both perpetrators and victims of elder abuse, and introduces the problem of gang abuse.
Abstract
Among myths to be dispelled are that it is just caregivers who perpetrate elder abuse, that the caregivers are females, and that the victims are very old and very dependent. A study was conducted of 102 elder abuse cases in Sheffield, England, between 1988 and 1992. Of the 103 victims, most (78 percent) were female; a majority (57 percent) were under 80 years old and not at all physically or mentally handicapped. Of the 113 abusers, most (73 percent) were male, and most had a personal or medical problem that might be considered the root cause for their abusive behavior--especially in situations of financial abuse, which were characterized by gambling debts and alcoholism. The systematic gang abuse of elderly persons is documented. In one case, a man was regularly tortured by four youths aged 11 to 15; in another, a man was financially abused by various school children and youths living on the same estate. The success of regular thefts of an 84-year-old woman rested on the fact that no one believed her complaints because of her occasional bouts with senility. Two young girls regularly had sex with a wealthy 70-year-old man in order to divert his attention while other youths searched his premises for money. 17 references