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Warren A, Blundell B, Chung D, Waters R. Exploring Categories of Family Violence Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:965-981. [PMID: 37154576 PMCID: PMC10913307 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231169486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Family violence may be experienced at any stage of the lifespan; however, these experiences are often understood differently based on the age of the victim and who perpetrates the abuse. The significance of age is evident in the three categories of child abuse, domestic and family violence (DFV), and elder abuse. Each of these categories has its own definition which determines who is considered a victim or a perpetrator, and the behaviors counted as violent and abusive. These definitions influence how practitioners view victim-survivors' experiences of violence, and the subsequent available responses. This article reports the findings of a scoping review of international literature published between 2011 and 2021, which explored how family violence is categorized and defined. The review was conducted as part of a larger study exploring how violence against women in intimate and family contexts is conceptualized and experienced, as well as the available responses. Forty-eight articles were included in the final review, and five categories of violence in family and intimate contexts were identified. These were child abuse, DFV, elder abuse, adolescent-to-parent violence, and sibling abuse. Comparison of definitions across categories found similarities in terms of the relationship between victim and perpetrator, behavior, intention, and harm caused to the victim. Review findings suggest that definitions of various forms of family violence do not differ greatly. Further research is needed to determine whether responses to family violence across the lifespan can and should be streamlined.
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Yang Y, Huang J, Wang M, Wang F, Luo H, Fan B, Huang Y, Xu W, Zheng C, Zhang M. The domestic elder abuse in China: Scale development and psychometric properties. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 56:7-13. [PMID: 38185005 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
An effective screening tool is essential to elder abuse research. Although several instruments have been developed in China to measure elder abuse, they present several limitations. The instrument development involved three components: (1) generating questionnaire items; (2) questionnaire testing and data collection in older adults; and (3) psychometric evaluation of the Domestic Elder Abuse Scale (DEAS). We collected questionnaire responses from 3725 community-dwelling Chinese older adults. The 26-item DEAS showed good reliability and validity across five dimensions: physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. These five factors accounted for 78.432 % of the total variance, and model fitting results were acceptable. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.975, and the test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.934 after 2 weeks. This study developed a five-dimension instrument to measure elder abuse, with good psychometric properties, which can play an essential role in community-based studies in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqin Yang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jin Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiyun Luo
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bingjie Fan
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiru Huang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenxian Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chonghao Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Chashan, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Moir E, Clare J. (Re)proposing problem-oriented policing as a framework for identifying new and enhanced ways to prevent the abuse of at-risk adults. J Elder Abuse Negl 2023; 35:139-149. [PMID: 37265443 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2023.2220974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
It is recognized worldwide that evidence on what effectively prevents abuse of at-risk adults (including older people) is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to make an explicit, contemporary proposal as to why front-line workers and policy-makers interested in preventing the abuse of at-risk adults should adopt an opportunity-focused, problem-oriented policing framework from criminology. This paper will first position the proposal within the current context of responses to the abuse of at-risk adults. Following this, the paper will outline how the problem-oriented policing framework can develop targeted, collaborative, sustainable, and measurable prevention strategies intended to remove the opportunity for specific examples of abuse of at-risk adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Moir
- School of Law and Society, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Joseph Clare
- School of Law, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Jacobs R, Farina N, Schneider M. Cross-cultural adaptation of the EAST and CASE screening tools for elder abuse in South Africa. J Elder Abuse Negl 2022; 34:369-392. [PMID: 36734135 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2023.2176393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Elder abuse is globally considered a hidden problem with great variations in its conceptualization across cultures, non-uniformity in understanding, and manifestations of abuse and neglect. Currently, there are no validated or culturally adapted screening measures for elder abuse in South Africa. The aim of this study was to test the cultural appropriateness of the Elder Abuse Screening Tool (EAST) and the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE) in two regions and four languages in South Africa. Using a cognitive interviewing methodology, 23 carers and 19 older adults were interviewed. Findings show that questions in the EAST and CASE are generally well understood, but that adaptations of both tools are necessary for use within South Africa. Fear, knowledge, and experience of crime also showed that strangers, like family, deliberately use deception to build trust and abuse. Further validation is needed to determine suitable scoring and use by health and social care practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Jacobs
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicolas Farina
- Community and Primary Care Research Group, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Marguerite Schneider
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mikton C, Campo-Tena L, Yon Y, Beaulieu M, Shawar YR. Factors shaping the global political priority of addressing elder abuse: a qualitative policy analysis. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2022; 3:e531-e539. [PMID: 36004206 PMCID: PMC9360496 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(22)00143-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older experience elder abuse in the community annually, with potentially severe physical and mental health, financial, and social consequences. Yet, elder abuse remains a low global priority. We aimed to identify the factors accounting for the low global political priority of elder abuse. Methods We systematically searched relevant peer-reviewed literature and organisational reports in multiple databases and interviewed 26 key informants in the field of elder abuse. We used policy frameworks developed by previous research into the determinants of the priority of global health issues, and a qualitative methodology to thematically analyse the literature and interviews through triangulation of the data. Findings The main factors identified were related to the nature of the issue (the inherent complexity of elder abuse, pervasive ageism, insufficient awareness and doubts about prevalence estimates, and the intractability of the issue), the policy environment (the restricted ability in the field of elder abuse to capitalise on policy windows and processes), and the capabilities of the proponents of prevention of elder abuse (disagreements over the nature of the problem and solutions, challenges in individual and organisational leadership, and an absence of alliances with other issues). Interpretation Around 25 years ago, elder abuse started to register on the global agenda. Since then, the global priority for prevention of elder abuse has barely increased. This study identifies several inter-related factors that account for the issue's low priority and opportunities for overcoming these challenges. Chief among these opportunities is the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030, a unique 10-year-long policy window to increase the political priority of the prevention of elder abuse. Funding World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mikton
- Demographic Change and Healthy Ageing, Department of Social Determinants of Health, Division of Healthier Populations, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland,Correspondence to: Dr Christopher Mikton, Demographic Change and Healthy Ageing, Department of Social Determinants of Health, Division of Healthier Populations, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Laura Campo-Tena
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yongjie Yon
- Implementation and System Transformation, Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Beaulieu
- Université de Sherbrooke, Faculté des lettres et sciences humaines, École de travail social, Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, CIUSSS Estrie-CHUS, QC, Canada
| | - Yusra Ribhi Shawar
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Hirt J, Adlbrecht L, Heinrich S, Zeller A. Staff-to-resident abuse in nursing homes: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:563. [PMID: 35794542 PMCID: PMC9261065 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03243-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elder abuse in long-term care is an important public health concern with social, health-related, and economic implications. Staff-to-resident abuse is of particular interest since institutions should protect residents' rights and prevent harm. To provide an up-to date comprehensive overview of staff-to-resident abuse in nursing homes, we performed a scoping review considering types of abuse, their prevalence and associated factors, descriptions, experiences, and preventive interventions. METHODS We performed a scoping review following the framework provided by Arksey and O'Malley. We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, PsycINFO via Ovid, and Cochrane Library. Additionally, we performed free web searching using Google Scholar and checked relevant reviews. Two reviewers independently selected studies. We narratively synthesised the results. RESULTS Out of 3876 references retrieved by our search, we included 46 studies in 47 reports. The prevalence rates of abuse varied widely, ranging from 0 to 93% depending on the type of abuse. Associated factors of abuse at the staff, resident, and nursing home level were evaluated inconsistently. Abuse was perceived ambiguous: even though it was considered unacceptable, it was underreported. We found only four studies addressing preventive interventions. Of these, four made recommendations for intervention development. Only one study with an experimental design examined a multi-component intervention including education and mutual support. CONCLUSIONS The review yielded heterogenous evidence not allowing a concrete conclusion on prevalence and associated factors. However, the results show the significance of the problem and indicate that there are associate factors of abuse that can be influenced by appropriate interventions. These are amongst other staff education, organisational culture, and conditions. Further research should investigate the composition and content of preventive interventions and their potential to reduce abusive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Hirt
- Center for Dementia Care, Institute of Applied Nursing Sciences, Department of Health, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9000 St.Gallen, Switzerland
- International Graduate Academy, Medical Faculty, Institute for Health and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Adlbrecht
- Center for Dementia Care, Institute of Applied Nursing Sciences, Department of Health, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9000 St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Heinrich
- Center for Dementia Care, Institute of Applied Nursing Sciences, Department of Health, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9000 St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Adelheid Zeller
- Center for Dementia Care, Institute of Applied Nursing Sciences, Department of Health, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Rosenbergstrasse 59, 9000 St.Gallen, Switzerland
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Ludvigsson M, Wiklund N, Swahnberg K, Simmons J. Experiences of elder abuse: a qualitative study among victims in Sweden. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:256. [PMID: 35351038 PMCID: PMC8962107 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02933-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elder abuse is underreported and undertreated. Methods for prevention and intervention are being developed, but the knowledge guiding such measures is often insufficiently based on the victims' own voices due to a paucity of studies. The aim of this study was therefore to explore experiences of elder abuse among the victims themselves. METHODS Consecutive inpatients ≥ 65 years of age at a hospital clinic in Sweden were invited to participate, and 24 victims of elder abuse were identified. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The analysis generated four themes that together give a comprehensive picture of elder abuse from the participants' subjective perspectives. The participants' experiences of abuse were similar to previous third-party descriptions of elder abuse and to descriptions of abuse among younger adults, but certain aspects were substantially different. Vulnerability due to aging and diseases led to dependance on others and reduced autonomy. Rich descriptions were conveyed of neglect, psychological abuse, and other types of abuse in the contexts of both care services and family relations. CONCLUSIONS Elder abuse is often associated with an individual vulnerability mix of the aging body, illnesses, and help dependence in connection with dysfunctional surroundings. As individual differences of vulnerability, exposure to violence, and associated consequences were so clear, this implies that components of prevention and intervention should be individually tailored to match the needs and preferences of older victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Ludvigsson
- Department of Acute Internal Medicine and Geriatrics and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Nicolina Wiklund
- Department of Acute Internal Medicine and Geriatrics and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katarina Swahnberg
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Johanna Simmons
- Department of Acute Internal Medicine and Geriatrics and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Levasseur M, Lussier-Therrien M, Biron ML, Dubois MF, Boissy P, Naud D, Dubuc N, Coallier JC, Calvé J, Audet M. Scoping study of definitions and instruments measuring vulnerability in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 70:269-280. [PMID: 34669967 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to foster social participation and health equity, especially for older adults in situations of vulnerability. Despite growing interest in vulnerability, there is no consensus regarding how to define or measure this concept. This paper provides an inventory and synthesis of definitions of and instruments measuring vulnerability in older adults. METHODS Using a scoping study framework, eight databases (Abstracts in Social Gerontology, Academic Search Complete, AgeLine, CINAHL, MEDLINE, SocINDEX, PsycInfo, Scopus) were searched with relevant keywords [Vulnerab* AND (Concept*, Defin*, Meaning, Terminology, Measurement, Assessment*, Indicator*, Instrument*, Scale*, Questionnaire* OR Test*) AND (Aging, Aging, Elder*, Gerontolog*, Older OR Senior*)]. RESULTS Thirty-one original definitions and five measuring instruments were identified, content-analyzed, and compared. Vulnerability definitions mostly focused on people under conditions that increased their risk of harm because of individual physical factors, the environment, and their interaction. Considering these definitions, experts in the field of aging, including two representing older adults, participated in a workshop, and a consensus was reached to define a situation of vulnerability as "a set of circumstances in which one or more individuals experience, at a specific moment in time, one or multiple physiological, psychological, socioeconomic or social difficulties that may interact to increase their risk of being harmed or having coping challenges that have a negative impact on their life." Although none of the measures fully targeted this definition, the Perceived Vulnerability Scale (PVS) is one of the most complete measures, with 22 items considering feelings of vulnerability toward personal and environmental factors, and good psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS The proposed definition and the PVS help to provide a common language and measure in health and social sciences research, policy and practice identifying and reaching older adults in situations of vulnerability and intervening to foster social participation and health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Levasseur
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada.,School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Marika Lussier-Therrien
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Lee Biron
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-France Dubois
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Boissy
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Orthopedic Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Naud
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicole Dubuc
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada.,School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Coallier
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada.,Department of Career Counseling, Faculty of Education, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Mélisa Audet
- Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre - Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Québec, Canada
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MacNeil A, Burnes D. Bridging the Gap between Homelessness in Older Adulthood and Elder Abuse: Considerations for an Age-Friendly Shelter System. J Aging Soc Policy 2021; 34:391-400. [PMID: 34472426 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2021.1973342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Homelessness and elder abuse are two major public health issues affecting older adults that are increasing in scope due to global population aging. While these issues have typically been examined separately, this commentary considers the often overlooked intersection between homeless older people and victims of elder abuse through two pathways: (1) the systemic abuse of older adults in the shelter system; and (2) the role of elder abuse as a possible risk factor for homelessness in later life. Strategies for the development of shelter systems that support the diverse needs of an aging population are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andie MacNeil
- Student, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Burnes
- Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Academic Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Liu Y, Hu F. Elder abuse in life stories: a qualitative study on rural Chinese older people. J Elder Abuse Negl 2021; 33:206-220. [PMID: 34074224 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2021.1934768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Holding beliefs such as elder respect seems to make Chinese older adults vulnerable to feel abused. This study investigated how Chinese older people in the countryside perceive abuse and make sense of their abusive experiences while telling their life stories. Following a narrative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 older persons living in a rural village, Yunnan province, China, collected their life stories, and paid special attention to their telling of abuses. Thematic analysis of the data suggests that elder abuse for the participants is a betrayal of trust that is established within Chinese cultural values. Four themes were identified in explaining the participants' experiences of abuse: disrespect, dependency and the down-valued self, disconnection and rejection, and social comparisons in the construction of abuse. We discuss implications for future research and practices in stopping elder abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Liu
- Department of Psychology, Honghe University, Mengzi City, China
| | - Fawen Hu
- Department of Psychology, Honghe University, Mengzi City, China
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11
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Välimäki T, Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen A, Vaismoradi M. Abuse in the caregiving relationship between older people with memory disorders and family caregivers: A systematic review. J Adv Nurs 2020. [PMID: 32301130 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To synthesize what is known about elder abuse and relationship factors associated with abuse between caregivers and older people with memory disorders at home. BACKGROUND Concerns about abuse in the caring relationship between older people with memory disorders and family caregivers have increased. Abuse is associated with negative outcomes on older people's health, quality of life, and zest for life. Abuse in the caring relationship manifests in financial exploitation, neglect, mistreatment, and physical issues. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Databases including Scopus, PubMed/Medline, SveMed+ , Cinalh, SonINDEX, and ProQuest were searched using keywords about abuse in the caring relationship between older people with memory disorders and family caregivers at home. Articles published between 2005-2019 were retrieved and underwent data analysis and knowledge synthesis. REVIEW METHODS The review was presented under the categories of the dyadic approach of elder abuse in connection with the role of caregiver (risk) and care recipient (vulnerability) by Fulmer et al. (2005). RESULTS The search process led to 12 quantitative studies, including an intervention, a prospective, nine surveys, and a cross-sectional structural interview. Findings were synthesized and presented under 'personal', 'physical and psychological', and 'social' domains indicating the bilateral roles of caregiver and care recipient leading to abuse. CONCLUSION This review depicted factors influencing abuse in the caring relationship between older people with memory disorders and their family caregivers at home. They included family caregivers' psychological issues, knowledge of memory disorders and modifications, previous caring relationship, social support, number of care recipients, and care recipients' functional level. IMPACT This review identifies what influences elder abuse by family caregivers using the dyadic approach and explains how abuse can be prevented through suggested strategies. The review findings are relevant to multidisciplinary healthcare providers and can guide the provision of support, screening and assessment, educational programs, and legislative initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarja Välimäki
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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12
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Dion S, Gogia K, Elman A, Clark S, Ulrey P, Connolly MT, Lewis S, LoFaso VM, Lachs MS, Wartell J, Rosen T. Developing a rigorous, systematic methodology to identify and categorize elder mistreatment in criminal justice data. J Elder Abuse Negl 2020; 32:27-45. [PMID: 32151210 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2020.1733725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Elder mistreatment is complex, with cases typically requiring integrated responses from social services, medicine, civil law, and criminal justice. Only limited research exists describing elder mistreatment prosecution and its impact. Researchers have not yet examined administrative prosecutorial data to explore mistreatment response, and no standardized analytic approach exists. We developed a rigorous, systematic methodologic approach to identify elder mistreatment cases in prosecutorial data from cases of crimes against victims aged ≥60. To do so, we operationalized elements of the accepted definition of elder mistreatment, including expectation of trust and vulnerability. We also designed an approach to categorize elder mistreatment cases, using the types of charges filed, into: financial exploitation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal/emotional/psychological abuse, and neglect. This standardized methodological approach to identify and categorize elder mistreatment cases in prosecution data is an important preliminary step in analyzing this potentially untapped source of useful information about mistreatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dion
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kriti Gogia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alyssa Elman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sunday Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Page Ulrey
- Economic Crimes Unit, King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Marie-Therese Connolly
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stuart Lewis
- School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Veronica M LoFaso
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark S Lachs
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julie Wartell
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tony Rosen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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Curcio CL, Payán-Villamizar C, Jiménez A, Gómez F. Abuse in Colombian elderly and its association with socioeconomic conditions and functionality. Colomb Med (Cali) 2019; 50:77-88. [PMID: 31607765 PMCID: PMC6774576 DOI: 10.25100/cm.v50i2.4013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To describe the presence of abuse in elderly people in Colombia and its association with socio-demographic and functional conditions. Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive research. Data were taken from the SABE Colombia Survey, a population study, with a national representative sample of 23,694 adults aged over 60 years. Presence and type of abuse by partners or family members, members were investigated. Generalized linear models with Poisson link function were used to estimate the causes of the prevalence of abuse by area of residence, region, age, sex, dependence on activities of daily living and living arrangements. Results: 15.1% of the elderly in Colombia reported some type of abuse, and over 50% reported more than one form of abuse. Abuse proportion is greater in people who are aged 60-69, in women, people with lower levels of education, people who belong to lower socioeconomic status, people who live alone, people who live with children, and people in urban areas. The most frequent abuse form is psychological, followed by neglect and physical abuse. Dependence on basic and instrumental daily living activities increases the probabilities of suffering abuse. Conclusions: Home is a risky place for the elderly people, especially for those with functional dependence, those who belong to low socioeconomic strata and women. Results should encourage debate among researchers, professionals and decision makers on public policy about necessary actions and means to change violent family dynamics in homes with elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen-Lucia Curcio
- Universidad de Caldas, Grupo de Investigaciones en Gerontología y Geriatría, Manizales, Colombia
| | | | - Abelardo Jiménez
- Fundación Universitaria San Martín, Medicina, Public Health Research Group GISAP, Cali, Colombia.,Universidad del Valle, Escuela de Salud Pública, Cali, Colombia
| | - Fernando Gómez
- Universidad de Caldas, Grupo de Investigaciones en Gerontología y Geriatría, Manizales, Colombia
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Santos AJ, Gil AP, Ribeiro O. The ageing process in older adults’ narratives of family violence. QUALITY IN AGEING AND OLDER ADULTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-10-2018-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine, through a qualitative lens, how community elder abuse and the ageing process are represented in the older adults’ narratives reporting abuse perpetrated by family members.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study of a convenience sample of 22 interviews from 24 older adults (two couples) aged 60 years or older who had experienced one or more types of abuse and had sought help about the victimisation experience. A general inductive approach of thematic content analysis was employed.
Findings
The four main emergent themes related to the passage of time or the perception of becoming old within the process of abuse were: abuse grown old, abuse after entering later life, vulnerability to abuse and responses to abuse. Ageing was found to be associated with an increase vulnerability to abuse and an important element in shaping how older adults experience, report and cope with victimization. The social and contextual issues of being older also influenced the decision of ending (or not) the abuse and the victims’ repertoire of responses.
Originality/value
Despite the little suitability of chronological age to define and delimit elder abuse, understanding the phenomenon demands the recognition of ageing (both as a process and as a product) in order to more accurately identify aetiology processes and develop interventions.
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Santos AJ, Nunes B, Kislaya I, Gil AP, Ribeiro O. Elder abuse victimization patterns: latent class analysis using perpetrators and abusive behaviours. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:117. [PMID: 31014265 PMCID: PMC6480599 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on elder abuse has defined it as a multidimensional construct that encompasses a set of different abusive behaviours, victims, perpetrators and settings. The array of possible elder abuse configurations is difficult to capture. This study sought to identify victimization patterns that represent distinct elder abuse configurations based on specific abusive behaviours and on the relationship with the perpetrator; it also sought to determine the association between these latent classes with victims' characteristics. METHOD Data comes from two elder abuse surveys: a representative sample of community-dwelling adults and a convenience sample of older adults reporting elder abuse to four state and NGOs institutions. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to categorize victimization in the population-based (N = 245) and in the victims' sample (N = 510) using 7 items measuring physical, psychological and financial abuse, and appointed perpetrators. Association tests were conducted to determine differences and similarities of victims' characteristics between the different obtained classes. RESULTS The LCA procedure identified six different latent classes of victimization experiences in each of the samples, which were statistically and plausibly distinct. In the population-based survey: verbal abuse by others (29%); psychological abuse from children/grandchildren (18%); overlooked by others (18%); stolen by others (15%); verbal Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (14%) and physical and psychological IPV (6%). In the victims' survey: physical abuse by children/grandchildren (29%); physical IPV (26%); psychological abuse by children/grandchildren (18%); polyvictimization by others (16%); physical abuse by others (6%) and physical and psychological IPV (4%). In the victims survey the 6 groups significantly differ in age, gender, civil status, living arrangements, perceived social support and functional status. CONCLUSIONS The results support the possibility of the multidimensionality of elder abuse not being accounted by the "classical" abuse typologies. Elder abuse victims seeking help may represent a distinct group from that included in population-based prevalence studies. The appointed perpetrators may be the most meaningful and relevant aspect in distinguishing victimization experiences. Further research is needed to develop tailored interventions to specific elder abuse cases and enhance successful outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana João Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Baltazar Nunes
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- CISP - Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Irina Kislaya
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Gil
- CICS.NOVA - Centro Interdisciplinar de Ciências Sociais, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. de Berna, 26-C, 1069-061 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Oscar Ribeiro
- Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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16
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Epistemological erasure: The subject of abuse in the problematization of 'elder abuse'. J Aging Stud 2017; 41:52-59. [PMID: 28610755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The academic field of literature pertaining to elder abuse emerges largely from gerontology with contributions from a variety of disciplines including geriatric medicine, nursing, public health, law, psychology, sociology and social work. This paper presents a critical review of articles drawn from this literature to identify current directions leading the development of empirical research in this field. The objective measurement of prevalence, the identification and correlation of psycho-social risk factors and practice-based research oriented to intervention and prevention are identified as privileged sites for scientific investigation. These sites are critically analysed in terms of their underpinning rationalities to reveal the operation of a hegemonic post-positivist epistemological framework. This framework enables an expert professional discourse to structure knowledge and the field of inquiry through constructions of the 'subject of abuse' as a statistical figure, a factorial subject of risk and universally vulnerable. These modes of representation preclude subjective lived experience and, in doing so, inaugurate an 'epistemological erasure' of the embodied subject of abuse. The review attends to the limited body of qualitative research in the field, some of which claims a politicized empiricism of 'voice'. However, whilst the findings produced by this research suggest theoretically and conceptually fertile lines of inquiry, these have not disrupted or extended the dominant discourses in the field. This paper argues that an epistemological gulf, riven through a politics of evidence, ensures the reproduction of dominant discourses and their attendant limitations in ways that forestall the conceptual and theoretical advancement of the field.
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17
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Jackson SL. All Elder Abuse Perpetrators Are Not Alike: The Heterogeneity of Elder Abuse Perpetrators and Implications for Intervention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2016; 60:265-285. [PMID: 25326465 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x14554063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The tendency to label all elder abuse perpetrators as the "bad guys" has diminished our ability to respond effectively. A review of the literature demonstrates that elder abuse perpetrators are in fact heterogeneous with important differences across types of abuse. A reformulation of perpetrator interventions away from a singular emphasis on prosecution to meaningful alternatives that utilize criminal justice and/or therapeutic approaches tailored to the needs of the case is needed. These interventions must incorporate the needs of both victims and perpetrators, take into consideration the type of abuse involved, acknowledge the variations in perpetrator culpability, and recognize the continuum of complexity among these cases. Without addressing these nuances, intervention and prevention efforts will be futile if not harmful.
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Burnett J, Jackson SL, Sinha AK, Aschenbrenner AR, Murphy KP, Xia R, Diamond PM. Five-year all-cause mortality rates across five categories of substantiated elder abuse occurring in the community. J Elder Abuse Negl 2016; 28:59-75. [PMID: 26797389 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2016.1142920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Elder abuse increases the likelihood of early mortality, but little is known regarding which types of abuse may be resulting in the greatest mortality risk. This study included N = 1,670 cases of substantiated elder abuse and estimated the 5-year all-cause mortality for five types of elder abuse (caregiver neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and polyvictimization). Statistically significant differences in 5-year mortality risks were found between abuse types and across gender. Caregiver neglect and financial exploitation had the lowest survival rates, underscoring the value of considering the long-term consequences associated with different forms of abuse. Likewise, mortality differences between genders and abuse types indicate the need to consider this interaction in elder abuse case investigations and responses. Further mortality studies are needed in this population to better understand these patterns and implications for public health and clinical management of community-dwelling elder abuse victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Burnett
- a Medical School-Geriatric and Palliative Medicine , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA.,b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute , Houston , Texas , USA.,c Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA.,d Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA.,e Consortium on Aging , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Shelly L Jackson
- f Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia , USA
| | - Arup K Sinha
- c Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Andrew R Aschenbrenner
- c Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Kathleen Pace Murphy
- a Medical School-Geriatric and Palliative Medicine , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA.,b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute , Houston , Texas , USA.,e Consortium on Aging , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Rui Xia
- a Medical School-Geriatric and Palliative Medicine , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA.,b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Pamela M Diamond
- b Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute , Houston , Texas , USA.,c Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA.,d Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA.,e Consortium on Aging , UTHealth Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
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Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to study the vexing problem of defining financial exploitation. Advocates and practitioners in the field who have been battling financial exploitation are pleased to observe the increased attention that financial exploitation is receiving at all levels of society. With this increased attention, however, there has been a conflation of terms used to describe financial exploitation, resulting in some confusion about what constitutes financial exploitation.
Design/methodology/approach
– Fully recognizing that definitions serve different functions, this paper identifies three main purposes of a definition and then describes the myriad ways financial exploitation has been defined in the research literature, by organizations, and in civil and criminal statutes.
Findings
– Financial exploitation has been defined in multiple ways within and across categories. Furthermore, the definition has expanded over time. This paper proposes the need for greater definitional clarity around the concept of financial exploitation, and argues that at a minimum a distinction must be made between financial exploitation and financial fraud.
Originality/value
– This is the first paper to comprehensively review the myriad ways in which financial exploitation has been defined in the literature, by organizations and within state civil and criminal statutes.
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