NCJ Number
74755
Date Published
1980
Length
169 pages
Annotation
These joint congressional hearings focus on the physical and/or psychological assault upon older persons by family members and caretakers.
Abstract
A panel of witnesses testified on the scope of the battered elder syndrome which, according to current statistics, rivals that of child abuse. The phenomenon is said to be caused by rising inflation, changing societal mores, and increases in the rate of marital dissolution. The strains caused by these factors affecting the modern family coupled with the longer life expectancy of older people who remain in the care of family members subjects these often frail and helpless individuals to abusive behavior. Praising the witnesses for their courage, the legislators noted that the purpose of the hearings was to apply the firsthand knowledge provided by the witnesses in order to take corrective action at various governmental levels, especially in terms of protective legislation and of intervention services. Abused elders frequently fail to use the assistance which is available to them; they do not often report victimization by strangers and are even less likely to reveal abuse by their children and other family members. The State of Florida is cited as having passed an adult protective service law which should help correct the situation by causing more victims to seek redress. The Senators and Congressmen holding the joint hearings presented suggestions for adult protective laws ranging from meaningful tax credits for individuals and families caring for elderly relatives to expansion of home health care coverage under Medicare.