NCJ Number
116945
Date Published
1985
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This resource manual for social service professionals focuses on violence against elder family members.
Abstract
Elder abuse is primarily a family affair (81 percent) and usually involves the dependent elderly. Abuse can range from passive neglect and psychological abuse to material theft and physical abuse. Studies indicate that those who are abused in the home had a repeated history of such injury (58 percent), were at least 60 years of age, and resided in the home of a son, daughter, other relative, or with a caretaker. The abuser was usually a close or distant relative and sometimes a friend or neighbor. Research data indicate that barriers to access to abused adults are the greatest deterrent to providing social services, therefore interviewing techniques are a critical factor in determining a worker's success. Useful techniques when interviewing in a potentially abusive situation include using nondirective questioning to encourage client to talk about feelings, using direct questions to gather specific data, and maintaining a nonjudgmental stance. The types of intervention used to stop the abuse are social, legal, and preventive. General principles to be considered during intervention are the client's right to self-determination, the maintenance of the family unit, the use of community-based services, the avoidance of blame, and the fact that inadequate or inappropriate intervention may be worse than none at all. The risk of bodily harm in working with violent families should never be underestimated. The different types of clients and possible intervention plans are discussed. Case examples are given. 15 references and bibliography.