NCJ Number
103034
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1986) Pages: 335-349
Date Published
1986
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Police involvement in cases of elder abuse was examined in data from 2 samples: 77 cases reported by medical and social service providers in the Detroit metropolitan area in 1981, and a random sample of 75 of 360 cases reported to the Wayne County Department of Social Services in 1983.
Abstract
Analysis of the 1981 data shows that in only 8 of the 77 cases (6 percent) did the worker indicate that referral had come from police. However, 8 of 20 victims (40 percent) interviewed in this sample reported prior police involvement. Of the 75 cases in 1983, the worker was aware of police involvement in only 12 (16 percent). Taken in conjunction, these findings suggest that, at best, social service agency involvement in elder abuse cases is independent of police involvement in most cases. At worst, data suggest that involvement. Of the 75 cases in 1983, the worker was aware of police involvement in only 12 (16 percent). Taken in conjunction, these findings suggest that, at best, social service agency involvement in elder abuse cases is independent of police involvement in most cases. At worst, data suggest that police are unlikely to become involved in such cases. In those cases where police were involved, it was usually the result of police requests for social agency assistance rather than of referrals from agencies to police. Case examples and reasons why adult protective services workers do not refer elder abuse cases to police are discussed. 1 note and 14 references. (Author abstract modified)