NCJ Number
105604
Date Published
1984
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper on elderly victims of domestic violence presents a historical overview of the problem and discusses its incidence and factors associated with abuse of the elderly.
Abstract
Historical research indicates abuse of the elderly has been a significant problem since colonial times. Regarding its current incidence, 13 percent of the 1,000 service providers who responded to a mail survey in the late 1970's reported knowledge of cases of elderly abuse. Most of the elderly victims were women, and most of the abusers were female relatives acting as caregivers. Over 75 percent of the cases involved physical abuse, and over half included psychological abuse. Factors associated with abuse are related to the dependence of the elderly on their children. As the needs of the elderly increase, the stress on the caregiving family can result in both abuse by the caretaker and abuse of the caretaker by the elderly relative. Caretakers of the elderly in the home often work outside the home, and the time required for caretaking after work often leaves little time for the caretaker's needs to be met. The dependent elderly often lack a meaningful role in the family, and this coupled with economic dependency and loss of control over life circumstances, may produce abusive behavior toward the caretaker. Studies indicate that caretakers under significant stress caring for elderly persons manifesting troublesome and abusive behavior tend to abuse the dependent elderly. Public institutions can help reduce abuse of the elderly by providing services and other resources that can relieve stress on caregivers and help the elderly adjust to their dependency. 27 references.