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For a more detailed description of demographics of victims and perpetrators of elderly abuse and neglect, please visit [http://aoa.gov/AoA_Programs/Elder_Rights/Elder_Abuse/docs/ABuseReport_Full.pdf The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study] For a more detailed description of demographics of victims and perpetrators of elderly abuse and neglect, please visit [http://aoa.gov/AoA_Programs/Elder_Rights/Elder_Abuse/docs/ABuseReport_Full.pdf The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study]
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==Effects and Intervention== ==Effects and Intervention==

Revision as of 14:04, 3 November 2011

Contents

Victims and Perpetrators

Victims

Determining whom the victims and abusers are is a key subject in elderly abuse and neglect requiring consideration. Most commonly affected by sexual abuse are elderly women aged 60-98+ years old, with the majority of victims between the ages of 70-80 years old.[1] The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (1998) supports these findings, reporting that women are more likely to experience elderly abuse in comparison to men.[2] However, Roberto, Teaster and Nikzad (2007) reported that there are numerous cases of male victims of sexual abuse.[3] Further, men with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities were at an increased risk of elder sexual abuse.[3] These incidences can happen both in the home as well as in private care institutions.[1]

While elderly abuse tends to be considered to be the victimization of a female, Stratton and Moore (2007) argue that men are also subject to victimization and found that men are more likely than women to be victims of abandonment.[4]. Stratton and Moore (2007) also reported that elderly men might be victims of elderly abuse by both male and female perpetrators.[4] Stratton and Moore (2007) further reported that male victims of elderly abuse are less likely to report their situation (p.79), which could be a rationale for the higher number of abuse cases experienced by females over males.[4]

The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (1998) found that victims aged 60 and older nationwide in the United States were 84 percent White, 8.3 % Black, 5.1% Hispanic, 2.1% Asian, and 0.4% Native.[2] Elderly abuse from racial/ethnic categories tends to be underrepresented.[2] This could be for a variety of reasons including failure to report, a trend traditionally seen in racial and ethnic groups. Dimah and Dimah (2002) studied elderly abuse of African Americans and its relationship with gender. [5] It was found that older African American’s were more likely to be victims of financial abuse and neglect.[5] However there were no gender differences between male and female victims.[5] Further, Dimah and Dimah (2002) found that that African American males and females were equally susceptible to financial exploitation and physical neglect over all other forms of elderly abuse.[5]

Perpetrators

pie chart
[2]

The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (1998) found that 52.2% of elderly abuse cases were involving male perpetrators, while 47.5% of the perpetrators were female.[2] Therefore, offenders of elderly abuse and neglect are most often male, aged 16-30 years old. Furthermore, perpetrators tend to use physical force in abusive situations, even employing weapons to gain compliance in all forms of elderly abuse.[1] Stratton and Moore (2007) found that adult-children accounted for 47% of elderly abuse perpetrators.[4] Dimah and Dimah (2002) found that both male and female perpetrators studied were involved in caring for their aging relatives.[5] However, males, rather than females, were more often living with the victim during the period of abuse, daughters tended to be more abusive in comparison to sons.[5]

The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (1998) found that females more often perpetrated neglect at 52.4%.[2] Emotional and psychological abuse data showed that 60.1% of perpetrators were male.[2] 62.6% were males in the case of physical abuse, while abandonment more often occurred with males as well at 83.4%.[2] It is interesting to note that neglect was the only type of abuse that was about equal regarding gender of perpetrators.[2] Males were more often perpetrators in all other types of elderly abuse and neglect. Karch and Nunn, (2011) found that the caregivers for victims of elder homicide were most often male, and either the husband or the son of the victim rather than the wife or daughter.[6]

In cases of sexual elder abuse, 88.2% of the perpetrators were male while the remaining 11.8% were female.[3] However, Roberto, Teaster & Nikzad importantly note that like all types of abuse, most cases of sexual abuse go unreported.[3] Roberto, Teaster and Nikzad (2007) state that sexual elder abuse of older men is very similar to that of females regardless of the fact that female sexual abuse occurs five times more often than male sexual abuse.[3] To conclude, to prevent cases of elderly abuse and neglect, there is a strong need for victims to be educated on their rights as well as protection against abuse.[3]

For a more detailed description of demographics of victims and perpetrators of elderly abuse and neglect, please visit The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study


Effects and Intervention

Effects

abused elderly
[7]

With the increase of our aging population, it is beneficial for caregivers and professionals to be aware of the impacts of abuse and neglect on the elderly individuals they provide services for. Recognizing the effects the abuse has on the individuals will aid in the intervention and rehabilitation of the victims. Abuse and neglect on elders is detrimental to their health and independence.


For both males and females, high levels of psychological distress are demonstrated after becoming a victim of elderly abuse. [8] The increased levels of psychological distress can be determined through self-reports, questionnaires and opinions from family members. [8] Psychological distress is also identified commonly with a negative perception of oneself, a feeling many victims have. These individuals affected from abuse or neglect suffering from psychological distress can seek relief through the help of social support. [8] Social support has a favourable effect on the distress levels of many individuals. The support provides the victim with a distraction from his problems and allows the individual to seek help and advice to deal with the abuse and prevent further abusive encounters. [8]


Several aspects of the effects of elderly abuse affect women differently than men. Elderly women who are abused experience an increase in health conditions when comparing to the average aging woman. [9] Physical and mental conditions are often described as chronic health problems. The consequences from emotional abuse are drastic, including bone and joint problems, digestive and heart problems, higher blood pressure, also anxiety as well as depression. [9] When women are abused multiple times, the risks for health conditions increase. [9] Female victims also tend to self-report more of these symptoms when compared to healthy aging women. [9]


As opposed to contrary belief, when given the opportunity, men are more open to talk about the abuse and mistreatment . However, male victims are not frequently taken seriously and are offered less support, although when support is available emotional gains are portrayed. [10] Contrary to women, after help is sought, men have minimal contact with their social workers while women continue to communicate. [10] Male victims are also at risk for poorer health and are often in need of a full medical assessment after their mistreatment is recognized.[10] Both women and men feel a loss of independence and empowerment.[10] All of the victims have to deal with various losses such as loss of contact with outside people, control over their lives and some cognitive abilities [8].


Interventions

Responding and intervening to elder abuse is crucial. Once the problem has been identified, services must be offered to the victims; however, identification can prove to be a problem and leave victims at a disadvantage. [11]


Most cases are solved while the victims are hospitalized for only a brief period of time and therefore a clear assessment tool is needed to identify the type of elder abuse. [12] Intervention techniques have been improving within the past decade due to the recognized abuse within the aging population.[11] The severity of abuse each victim undergoes is individual. The victim’s willingness to cooperate in intervention and their cognitive abilities affect the outcomes of the intervention. [13] It is important for professionals to become educated and trained in recognizing and rehabilitating victims from abuse or neglect. [11] The medical team as well as mental health professionals must provide effective and appropriate services. [12]


This process includes: proper assessment and documentation, preventative mechanisms for future cases and various types of interventions. [11]Depending on the type of mistreatment, some of the interventions recommended are: practical help around the house, legal help with documents, therapeutic measures and protection or safety measures. [11] Counselors, social workers and perhaps a medical team may need to be involved. [12] The process of formulation, implementation and termination demonstrates a strategic way of recovery for the victims.[13] Formulating a plan involves contacting the client, their family and various healthcare professionals to identify information about the abuse or neglect and the patient’s health.[13] Once a plan is attained, it must be implemented to cause behavioural changes in the victims.[13]


Ultimately, the goal of intervention is to allow the victim to feel a sense of empowerment and independence once again. [11] Intervention is critical to aid in eliminating and lessoning the negative effects on these abused or neglected elders. In order for intervention to occur, the problem must be recognized and reported, the Government of Canada offers several ways to do so found on their website: http://www.seniors.gc.ca/c.4nt.2nt3col@.jsp?cid=161.

Types of Elderly Abuse

Elderly abuse comes in many different forms. Not all victims are exposed to every form of abuse however all forms are all harmful to the victim in different ways. There are six types of elderly abuse: sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, neglect, abandonment and financial abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is probably one of the most traumatizing types of elder abuse. The target of this type of assault is typically a woman in her 70’s and 80’s [1] It usually occurs with the perpetrator intention of robbing the victim in their home[1]. These scenarios are most likely to occur at night or in the early hours of the morning. The perpetrator is often trying to display power[1]. In these types of assaults the victim is usually left seriously injured or dead (Jeary). Sexual abuse on the elderly includes sexual harassment, indecent assault and rape. In the majority of cases the perpetrator is not someone that the victim knows [1]

Emotional Abuse

The emotional abuse of an elderly person is usually a prolonged period of abuse. This type of abuse comes in the form of name calling, yelling at the victim, refusing to show the victim any type of love or compassion and in some cases cutting the victim off from the outside world [14].

Physical Abuse

The physical abuse of an elder person is when the victim is being physically harmed. This type of abuse is usually done by the victim’s caregiver and is likely to target the victim’s head and torso. Often the only way that a victim receives help in this situation is if a family member or a health care provider notices the signs of physical abuse on the victim’s body (Friedman, et al). Often the abuser is the victim’s own children and the chances of this abuse occurring rise when the child of the victim is abusing alcohol (Friedman, et al). These types of perpetrators are most likely to use weapons when assaulting the elderly victims (Friedman, et al).

Neglect

Elderly neglect is the major type of abuse that the elderly are exposed to. Neglect is when the victim’s caregiver or family members do not provide proper care to an individual (Fulmer, et al). This includes: failure to provide proper health care, leaving the elderly individual alone for an extended period of time, not providing the victim with any form of companionship (Fulmer, et al). The individual is left alone without any feelings of togetherness, love or concern from family members. In this situation the victim feels very alone and has no reassurance that anyone cares for his or her wellbeing (Fulmer, et al). They are often living in fear for their health and their abilities to live without assistance are fairly minimal (Fulmer, et al).

Abandonment

This is an intense form of neglect. Abandonment has all the characteristics of neglect however; in addition the victims perpetrator has absolutely no desire to provide any type of care or assistance to the victim (Stratton, Moore). They have essentially been cut out of the perpetrators life all together. The perpetrator is often the victim’s children (Stratton, Moore). Although both men and women can experience this type of abuse, men tend to be at the most risk. Fathers tend to be abandoned by their children the most because they put less effort into staying connected to their children (Stratton, Moore). Fathers are also less likely to try to resolve any conflicts between them and their children.

Financial Abuse

This type of abuse is the most publicly known type of elder abuse. Financial abuse involves the elderly individuals primary caregivers or family members taking advantage of the victim’s finances (Peretti, Majecen) . The victim is being used for the perpetrators financial gain. This can happen to men and women and is typically inflicted upon them by their own children.

The abuse of elderly people is a disturbingly common scenario. The many different types of abuse cover many different situations regarding the mistreatment of the victim. It is sometimes difficult to prosecute the perpetrators of these types of abuse because the perpetrators are typically related to the victims. This makes it difficult for the victims to confess to the mistreatment that they are receiving. It is important to understand the types of abuse that elderly people may experience in order to help with the prevention of such treatments.

Notes and References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Jeary, K. (2005): Sexual abuse and sexual offending against elderly people: A focus on perpetrators and victims, Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 16:2, 328-343
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 National Center on Elder Abuse at the American Public Human Services Association In Collaboration with Westat, Inc. (1998). The national elder abuse incidence study: Final report. Washington, DC: National Aging Information Center.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Roberto, K. A., Teaster, P. B., and Nikzad, K. A. (2007). Sexual abuse of vulnerable young and old men, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 22:8, 1009-1023
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Stratton, D. C., and Moore, A. J. (2007): Fractured Relationships and the Potential for Abuse of Older Men, Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 19:1-2, 75-97
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Dimah, A., & Dimah, K. P. (2002). Gender differences among abused older african americans and african american abusers in an elder abuse provider agency. Journal of Black Studies, 32:5, 557-573
  6. ↑ Karch, D., and Nunn, K. C. (2011): Characteristics of elderly and other vulnerable adult victims of homicide by a caregiver: National violent death reporting system – 17 U.S. states, 2003-2007, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 27:1, 137-157
  7. ↑ Kinnison, K. (2009). Genesis Mediation. Retrieved from://http://genesismediation.com/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Comijs, H.C., Pennix, B.W., Knipscheer, K.P., & Van Tilburg, W. (1999). Psychological distress in victims of elder mistreatment: The effects of social support and coping.Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 54.(4), 240-245.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Fisher, B.S., & Regan, S. L. (2006) The extent and frequency of abuse in the lives of older women and their relationship with health outcomes. The Gerontologist, 46 (2), 200-209.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Pritchard, J. (2002). Male victims of elder abuse: Their experiences and needs. Retrieved from http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/male-victims-elder-abuse-their- experiences-and-needs.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Penhale, B. (2010). Responding and intervening in elder abuse and neglect. Aging Internations, 35, 235-252.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Imbody, B., & Vandsburger, E. (2011). Elder abuse and neglect: Assessment tools, interventions, and recommendations for effective service provision. Educational Gerontology, 37 (7), 634-650.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Quinn, M. J., & Tomita, S.K. (1997). Elder abuse and neglect: Causes, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
  14. ↑ Peretti and Majecen (1991). Emotional Abuse Among the Elderly: Affecting Behavior Variables. Social Behavior and Personality, 19(4), 255-261./ref> This type of abuse is equally likely to happen to male or female victims. The victim is often abused in these situations by their caregiver<ref>Peretti and Majecen (1991). Emotional Abuse Among the Elderly: Affecting Behavior Variables. Social Behavior and Personality, 19(4), 255-261./ref>. The lack of attention the victim receives makes them feel undervalued and overlooked. It often leaves the victim confused as to the reasoning for the abuse; this may lead to the victims blaming themselves for the treatment they are receiving<ref name="Peretti">Peretti and Majecen (1991). Emotional Abuse Among the Elderly: Affecting Behavior Variables. Social Behavior and Personality, 19(4), 255-261.</li></ol></ref>
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