Elder abuse from the victim's perspective in the Western Mediterranean Region of Türkiye: an exploratory study

This exploratory study investigates elder abuse from the perspective of self‑identified victims in Türkiye's Western Mediterranean Region, examining abuse types, perpetrator profiles, and help‑seeking. Using an embedded - convergent mixed‑methods design, we recruited 43 community‑dwelling adults aged 65+ who reported abuse. Analyses integrated quantitative frequencies with qualitative accounts to contextualize patterns and lived experiences. Abuse most often involved financial exploitation (n = 37) and psychological abuse (n = 21). Perpetrators were commonly strangers (n = 16) and immediate family members (n = 10), followed by neighbors and other relatives. Most participants (n = 37) sought assistance from one or more sources after victimization, often combining informal and formal avenues. Findings underscore the need for stronger state‑supported security measures, public education, and accessible psychosocial services to prevent revictimization, strengthen protective networks, and mitigate harms in later life. Coordinated intersectoral responses, sensitive outreach, and capacity building for providers are recommended, and longitudinal research should track outcomes and identify protective factors.