NCJ Number
215801
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 37-52
Date Published
2005
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article examines the commonalities between undue influence (UI), domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.
Abstract
UI involves the exertion of power and subversive coercion to exploit the trust, dependency, and fear of victims in order to manipulate their decisionmaking. Although UI victimization can occur at any age, many victims of UI are citizens who suffer vulnerabilities due to their age, social isolation, and life circumstances. The authors assert that there are seven commonalities observed between UI, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault: (1) the victim and exploiter are involved in an ongoing relationship; (2) exploiters may target and groom their victims; (3) exploiters tend to use deceptive tactics to unduly influence and financially exploit their victims; (4) exploiters are typically charming manipulators; (5) exploiters make many justifications for their actions; (6) victims may appear as willing participants in activities that may work against their best interest; and (7) victims often have trauma reactions and may impede investigations. Each of these commonalities is described in order to assist professionals in their investigations of exploitation among elderly citizens. The power and control tactics employed by men who batter are compared to those of exploiters who use UI so that professionals can better distinguish between actual consent and the apparent consent of UI victims. In closing, the authors note that a better understanding of UI may lead to policies and procedures for screening, interviewing, documenting, and responding to cases of UI. Figures, references