NCJ Number
35118
Date Published
Unknown
Length
11 pages
Annotation
THE IMPACT OF FEAR OF CRIME AND ACTUAL VICTIMIZATIONS ARE DISCUSSED WITH RESPECT TO THE LIFE STYLE, HEALTH, SELF CONCEPT, AND MENTAL STABILITY OF THE ELDERLY.
Abstract
IT IS NOTED THAT THE ELDERLY, WHO ARE PRONE TO VICTIMIZATION BY REASON OF THEIR LIMITED MOBILITY, DECREASING PHYSICAL ABILITY AND LONELINESS, HAVE A HIGH RISK OF VICTIMIZATION FOR SUCH CRIMES AS ROBBERY, PURSE SNATCHING, AND FRAUD. WHILE THE AGING ARE OFTEN VICTIMS OF STREET CRIME, THEY MAY ALSO BE VICTIMIZED BY FAMILY, FRIENDS, HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL, OR UNSCRUPULOUS ATTORNEYS. THE AUTHOR URGES THAT CRIME AGAINST THE ELDERLY BE GIVEN SPECIAL ATTENTION, AND DESCRIBES THE RESPONSE OF SEVERAL AGENCIES TO THIS PROBLEM. FINALLY, POSSIBLE CRIME PREVENTION METHODS ARE OUTLINED, INCLUDING PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY, PUBLIC EDUCATION ON CRIME PREVENTION FOR THE ELDERLY, IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, AND SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THE ELDERLY BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.