Older persons’ definitions and explanations of elder abuse in the Netherlands

Authors:
MYSYUK Yuliya, WESTENDORP Rudi G.J., LINDENBERG Jolanda
Journal article citation:
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 28(2), 2016, pp.95-113.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

In this article the authors explore older persons’ definitions of and explanations for elder abuse in the Netherlands by means of interviews with older persons. A qualitative study was conducted based on semistructured interviews with 35 older persons who had no experience with abuse. The author's findings show that older persons participating in their study define elder abuse foremost as physical violence that is performed intentionally. The study participants explain elder abuse as a result of the dependency and vulnerability of older persons, of changing norms and values, and of changes in the position of older persons in society, which result in disrespect toward older persons and a lack of social control and responsibility. The older persons’ explanations for the occurrence of abuse mainly focus on societal changes; older persons seem to regard elder abuse primarily as a societal problem. This understanding of, and explanation for, elder abuse may influence their detection and reporting behaviour, as they may tend to acknowledge only severe cases of intentional physical violence that leave clear and therefore physically detectable evidence. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
older people, elder abuse, violence;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Netherlands
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4129
ISSN print:
0894-6566

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