NCJ Number
79421
Date Published
1980
Length
61 pages
Annotation
Based on four studies published in 1979, this report describes research that has been conducted on elder abuse and discusses the problem in the context of violence in the American family, its potential causes, and intervention approaches.
Abstract
Although few researchers have investigated the phenomenon of violence between middle-aged adults and their elderly parents, the following studies have potential value to the geronotological field: 'The Battered Elder Syndrome: An Exploratory Study,' edited by Marilyn R. Block and Jan D. Sinnot; reports produced by the Massachusetts Legal Research and Services for the Elderly demonstration project; Elizabeth E. Lau and Jordan I. Kosberg's 'Abuse of the Elderly by Informal Care Providers,' in 'Aging,' September October, 1979; and a Michigan pilot project, 'A Study of Maltreatment of the Elderly and Other Vulnerable Adults.' Using data from these works, this report defines the abused elderly as persons aged 60 or over who live alone or with a caretaker relative or friend and are victims of abuse in the home -- physical, psychological, material, medical, or violation of rights. After a review of the survey techniques used, the incidence of elder abuse is described, along with characteristics of the abused elderly, thier abusers, and practitioners who report such incidents. A discussion of intervention efforts notes that placement in a hospital or nursing home was frequently cited as a response to abuse. A recent study, 'Behind Closed Doors: Violence in the American Family,' and its implications for elder abuse are examined. Potential causes of abuse revealed by the research are identified, such as inability of the victims to care for themselves, the abuser experiencing some form of stress, and a history of family violence. Finally, the report addresses issues raised by these research and analysis efforts in the context of their implications for legal, social, and preventive intervention, and public policy formulation. Footnotes and 14 references are included.