Explain what research tells about the perpetrators and victims of elder abuse

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Victims and perpetrators are typically related to each other or know each other, such as in a caretaking capacity.
• Family members tend to be the chief perpetrators; adult children predominant, followed by spouses.
• Exception to above is financial crime victimization, in which the elderly are victims of scams or identity theft committed by strangers.
• Sexual abuse of the elderly has been overlooked but is being studied more; perpetrators in caregiving facilities (e.g., nursing homes) or spouses.
• Male perpetrators abuse physically; female perpetrators emotional/psychological neglect. Both genders equally likely to victimize financially (e.g., cashing checks).
• Elderly defined as 60 and over in most research.
• When elderly are victims of physical violence, they often have a history of such victimization. For example, a continuing pattern of family violence over the years.
• Violence and neglect that onsets past 60 is often a result of caretaker frustration. Perpetrators are overwhelmed in meeting physical and financial needs of the elderly.
• Risk factors for abuse vary across studies. They include past violence, caretaker frustration, past relationship with victim, financial stress, mental disorder or substance abuse by perpetrator.