NCJ Number
255822
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: 2020 Pages: 27-45
Date Published
2020
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This project developed a rigorous, systematic methodological approach for identifying elder- mistreatment cases in prosecutorial data on cases of crimes against victims aged 60 or above.
Abstract
Elder mistreatment is complex, with cases typically requiring integrated responses from social services, medicine, civil law, and criminal justice; however, research is limited on the nature and effects of the prosecution of elder mistreatment. Researchers have not yet examined administrative prosecutorial data to explore mistreatment response, and no standardized analytic approach exists. In addressing this issue, the current project operationalized elements of the accepted definition of elder mistreatment, including expectation of trust and vulnerability. It also designed an approach for categorizing elder mistreatment cases, using the types of charges filed for financial exploitation, physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal/emotional/psychological abuse, and neglect. This standardized methodological approach for identifying and categorizing elder mistreatment cases in prosecution data is an important preliminary step in analyzing this potentially untapped source of useful information on the criminal justice system's response to elder mistreatment. (publisher abstract modified)