NCJ Number
188184
Date Published
2000
Length
118 pages
Annotation
This publication provides a comprehensive analysis of current issues related to the prevention of crime against the elderly in Australia, based on research conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology over the past 10 years.
Abstract
The issues discussed include predatory crime, fear of crime, abuse of older people both in private homes and in residential care, as well as economic crime. Prevention strategies for both predatory crimes and elder abuse are examined, and suggestions are offered for government policy. The most consistent findings of the research, both in Australia and internationally, is that older people are at less risk of criminal victimization than other age groups; however, it is commonly believed that despite this fact, older people tend to have higher levels of fear of crime than the general population. To understand the issues associated with this paradox, it is important to take into account the diversity of the older population and the diversity of offenses that may impact the elderly. Although older people may be at less risk than younger age groups for crimes such as burglary, robbery, and assault, they have an increased vulnerability to abuse, both by family members and professional care-givers. Research and policy must be careful to avoid stereotypes that portray older people as vulnerable and dependent, however, since making distinctions between groups of people on the basis of age alone overlooks or masks a range of other important social indicators as well as the diversity of experience, stations, and social location within Australia's older population. 3 tables, 5 figures, and 97 references