NCJ Number
210146
Date Published
2005
Length
330 pages
Annotation
This book provides a basic criminological foundation for an expanded understanding of the criminal abuse of the elderly.
Abstract
Each chapter begins with a case scenario that describes an elderly person's victimization experience and concludes with the consequences of that experience. Chapter 2 discusses how social scientists have measured the victimization experiences of older adults and how certain disciplines have ignored these incidents. This is followed by a chapter that details specific types of offenses that target elderly persons. Chapter 4 addresses the consequences of offenses against the elderly and compares these consequences to those experienced by younger victims. Chapter 5 considers the way the criminal justice system and other policymakers identify and respond to crimes against elderly persons, followed by a chapter that reviews various explanations for crimes against the elderly; these explanations are contrasted with theories that attempt to explain youthful offenses. Chapter 7 provides an overview of strategies for preventing elderly abuse, along with suggestions for individuals, caregivers, health care providers, and criminal justice and social service professionals. The concluding chapter provides recommendations for future research, policy, and programs that address crimes against elderly persons. This second edition builds on the earlier edition by reporting on new research pertinent to each chapter; updating tables and figures; adding sections to some chapters; including box inserts in some chapters entitled "Voices From the Field" (professionals discussing some aspect of elder abuse); and adding the chapter that describes an integrated approach for preventing elder abuse. 615 references and a subject index