NCJ Number
145875
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 19-43
Date Published
1991
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study looks at the proportion of elder abuse and neglect reports substantiated by protective services agencies and the indicators that can contribute to a higher substantiation rate.
Abstract
The rate of substantiation of reports of abuse and neglect of elderly victims and the factors that make substantiation more likely are looked at in this study. A sample of 2,489 cases reported to the Wisconsin Elder Abuse and Neglect Reporting System during 1988 and 1989 was analyzed. In 57 percent of the cases, the initial report was substantiated by protective services staff. The highest rates were in cases of self-neglect, physical abuse and emotional abuse. The most difficult cases to substantiate were those involving material abuse. For all types of abuse or neglect, rates of substantiation were higher in urban areas and lowest in rural areas. Cases reported by medical and law enforcement professionals, relatives and human service agencies had a high rate of substantiation when self-neglect was involved. Unexpectedly, in cases involving abuse by others, reports by medical professionals were much less frequently substantiated. Cases in which there was a threat to the elder's life had a higher substantiation rate than cases where no such threat existed. Higher rates were found for people living alone and for those in high-risk categories. The highest rates of substantiation were found when the abuser was a spouse, son, or other relative, particularly those in high-risk categories. With regard to the offering of services to victims, the study found that substitute care and legal services were more often offered in substantiated cases but community-based and home-based services were offered almost as frequently regardless of substantiation. 7 tables