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[Violence against elderly people. Recognize--Sensitize--Act!]
1Nervenärztlich/psychotherapeutische Praxis, Institut für Psychogerontologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Ermekeilstrasse 36, 53113, Bonn, Deutschland. r.d.hirsch@t-online.de.
Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
|October 30, 2015
Summary
Elder abuse, encompassing physical, psychological, and financial harm, is a growing concern. Despite its prevalence in family and institutional settings, research and support for victims remain insufficient.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Elder abuse is a significant, yet under-researched, issue, exacerbated by demographic shifts.
- Definitions of elder abuse vary, but gerontology often employs a broad framework encompassing diverse forms of violence.
- Violence against older adults occurs in various settings, including family and institutional environments, with significant statistical prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the multifaceted nature of elder abuse and its societal neglect.
- To underscore the legal implications and diverse manifestations of violence against the elderly.
- To identify the contributing factors and consequences of elder abuse, and the need for preventative measures and support systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing definitions and statistics on elder abuse.
- Analysis of the various forms of elder abuse, including physical, psychological, neglect, financial exploitation, and structural/cultural violence.
- Examination of the contexts in which elder abuse occurs (family, institutional settings) and contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Elder abuse presents in diverse forms such as physical, psychological, neglect, financial exploitation, and structural/cultural violence.
- Prevalence rates indicate elder abuse occurs in approximately 25% of family settings and 11-24% of institutional settings.
- Acts of violence often stem from helplessness, shame, overwork, poor support, and lack of knowledge, with potential for shifting perpetrator/victim roles.
Conclusions:
- Elder abuse is a complex issue with severe consequences for victims, requiring urgent attention in social policy and scientific research.
- Existing preventative measures for elder abuse have varied starting points, but professional assistance and support for elderly victims are critically lacking.
- Further research and policy development are essential to address the pervasive problem of elder abuse and ensure adequate support for affected individuals.