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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)
How older persons explain why they became victims of abuse
- Authors:
- MYSYUK Yuliya, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Age and Ageing, 45(5), 2016, pp.96-702.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background: Elder abuse greatly impacts the quality of life of older individuals. Prevalence rates range from 3 to 30% depending on the definition used. Only about a dozen studies have explored how older victims themselves experience and explain abuse. It is essential that healthcare professionals understand the perceptions of older victims as they are among the most important groups to handle and report abuse. Design: A qualitative study on the perceptions and experiences of victims of elder abuse was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Setting: Abused individuals living independently, in residential care facilities and nursing homes. Subjects: six males and 11 females aged 63–90 years. Results: The main causes of abuse identified by older victims themselves were mutual dependency between victim and perpetrator, power and control imbalances, loneliness and a marginalised social position of older persons. Effects of abuse included negative feelings, physical and psychological distress, a change of personal norms and values, changed perspectives on money and low self-efficacy. These differential effects depended upon the types of abuse experienced and the relationship with the perpetrator. Coping strategies mentioned by victims were seeking informal or professional help and using self-help strategies. Conclusion: Older victims perceive abuse differently depending on the expected acceptability of the type(s) of abuse experienced and the anticipated stigma associated with the perpetrator involved. The effects and chosen coping strategies are influenced by these considerations and therewith also influence their help-seeking behaviour. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to use these findings in practice to prevent, detect and intervene in elder abuse. (Publisher abstract)