Elder Abuse Characteristics Based on Calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse Resource Line

Abstract

Characterizing the types of elder abuse and identifying the characteristics of perpetrators are critically important. This study examined the types of elder abuse reported to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) resource line. Calls were coded with regard to whether abuse was reported, types of abuse alleged, whether multiple abuse subtypes occurred, and who perpetrated the alleged abuse. Of the 1,939 calls, 818 (42.2%) alleged abuse, with financial abuse being the most commonly reported (449 calls, 54.9%). A subset of calls identified multiple abuse types (188, 23.0%) and multiple abusers (149, 18.2%). Physical abuse was most likely to co-occur with another abuse type (61/93 calls, 65.6%). Family members were the most commonly identified perpetrators (309 calls, 46.8%). This study reports the characteristics of elder abuse from a unique source of frontline data, the NCEA resource line. Findings point to the importance of supportive resources for elder abuse victims and loved ones.

Elder abuse and associated factors in eastern romania

“…In our study, most of the older patients had been abused by family members: life partner (25.3%), children (33.7%), and other family members (18.1%). This finding is consistent with previous data, which reported that family members are the most commonly alleged perpetrators not only of financial abuse, but of all types of abuse; abuse by a family member was the most commonly reported relationship . In Romania there is a change in the traditional family and its values.…”

“…Data from previous studies states that abuse reflected the relative's problems and dependency on the victim rather than the older adult victim's characteristics or caregiver burden. Moreover, lack of social support and isolation may further place an isolated older person at risk of abuse by family members and other …”

“…This finding is consistent with previous data, which reported that family members are the most commonly alleged perpetrators not only of financial abuse, but of all types of abuse; abuse by a family member was the most commonly reported relationship. 16 In Romania there is a change in the traditional family and its values. Due to the phenomenon of Romanian youth migration to countries in Western Europe and America, older adults remain alone.…”

“…It is often accompanied by physical abuse, verbal abuse or neglect . Older adults living with multiple family members are at great risk for domestic abuse . Also, among older adults, a younger age has been associated with domestic abuse because they often are living with a spouse or adult children .…”

“…15 Older adults living with multiple family members are at great risk for domestic abuse. 16 Also, among older adults, a younger age has been associated with domestic abuse because they often are living with a spouse or adult children. 17 Having a lower income is another factor associated with domestic abuse, either financial, emotional, physical or neglect.…”