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Elder Abuse and Family Violence: Testimony Presented Before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

NCJ Number
164415
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 81-96
Author(s)
R S Wolf
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This overview of elderly abuse in the context of the family addresses risk factors and characteristics, the scope of the problem, the response system, ethical dilemmas, and recommendations for an improved response to elder abuse.
Abstract
Following a review of definitions of "elder abuse," risk factors and characteristics are discussed. The most salient risk factors are identified as victim-perpetrator dependence, perpetrator deviance, victim disability, and caregiver stress with substance abuse and social isolation as contributing factors. Stressful life events and chronic financial strain may decrease the family's resistance and increase the likelihood of abuse. Particularly among spouses, a prior history of violence in the relationship may be predictive of elder abuse in later life. Although the absence of good national prevalence data collected over a span of years prevents an accurate assessment of the scope of the problem, State reports of substantiated abuse and neglect cases have shown a steady increase since first summarized in 1987: from 117,000 to 241,000 in 1994. Significant progress has been made during the past decade in understanding the nature and scope of elder mistreatment and developing intervention methods. All the States now have adult legislation that establishes procedures for reporting, investigating, and treating elder abuse cases. Recommendations for prevention strategies focus on coalition building; increased research; a national reporting system; long-term care; mental health/substance abuse services; public awareness and professional training; assertiveness training/elder rights/empowerment; caregiver training/services; and violence reduction/conflict resolution/mediation. 31 references

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