NCJ Number
221239
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 19 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 109-127
Date Published
2007
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Drawing on findings from two research projects, this paper discusses the problems in identifying older male victims who have been abused in childhood or adulthood.
Abstract
The findings from the two research projects discussed clearly show that a significant number of older men have experienced abuse in childhood and adulthood, but help may not be readily available or consistent. The reason for this is that male victims are not systematically identified due to a lack of awareness about their vulnerability, the lack of skills to identify different forms of abuse, or the failure to offer them an opportunity to speak out. Male victims need to be afforded the chance to disclose and heal. Organizations must begin to provide adequate training for their workers to identify male victims of abuse and provide them with appropriate resources. The abuse of older men is still very much a taboo subject in England. Men tend to be seen as perpetrators of abuse rather than victims. Workers in the field of health and social care also can fail to recognize that men are vulnerable to abuse; hence they may not be identified as victims and their needs are not met. The paper considers how older men who have been abused, either in childhood or adulthood, are being identified and what work is being undertaken with them to meet their needs. The paper draws from two research projects plus work which is being undertaken in support groups for male victims. Tables and references