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Abuse in Later Life: Dynamics and Barriers

Abuse in Later Life: Dynamics and Barriers. Bonnie Brandl, M.S.W. NCALL/WCADV 2004. ELDER ABUSE (National Definitions). Physical, sexual and emotional abuse Financial exploitation Neglect and self-neglect Abandonment. Domestic Violence is….

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Abuse in Later Life: Dynamics and Barriers

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  1. Abuse in Later Life: Dynamics and Barriers Bonnie Brandl, M.S.W. NCALL/WCADV 2004

  2. ELDER ABUSE (National Definitions) • Physical, sexual and emotional abuse • Financial exploitation • Neglect and self-neglect • Abandonment

  3. Domestic Violence is… A pattern of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, spiritual, and economic abuse, instilled through the use of fear and coercion, for the purpose of obtaining power and control

  4. Relationship Between Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence Elder Abuse Elder Domestic Violence Elder Domestic Violence Domestic Violence

  5. What Is Abuse in Late Life? • Abuse of an older by someone in an on-going relationship • Abuser is usually a family member or caregiver • Often basis is “power and control” • Some of the tactics are different from domestic violence among younger adults

  6. Scenarios of Intimate Partner Violence in Later Life • DV grown old • New relationship • Late onset

  7. Other Scenarios of Abuse in Later Life • Adult children/grandchildren • Other family members • Caregivers

  8. What About Caregiver Stress? • Early theory of elder abuse • Assumes a well-intending, normally competent caregiver • Becomes overwhelmed and lashes out • High stress and low resources results in maltreatment

  9. Limitations of Caregiver Stress • Not supported by more recent research (pointing to domestic violence) • Identifies the victim as the “problem” • Abuser feels validated • May ignore criminal aspects

  10. Abuser Language

  11. Holding Abusers Accountable • Some elder abuse is a crime. • Not all social service remedies are effective. • Focus on victim safety and abuser accountability.

  12. Barriers to Living Free from Abuse • Abuser Tactics • Internal Messages • Systemic Responses

  13. Barriers • Fear • Financial/Housing • Health • Values about family

  14. Barriers • Cultural values • Immigration issues • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender • Religious/spiritual values

  15. Barriers • Rural • Generational

  16. Multidisciplinary Response • Justice • Social service • Victim services/advocacy • Aging network • Health care • Faith-based and others

  17. Coordinated Community Response Advocates Police Religious Leaders Health Professionals Adult Protective Agencies Friends Judges & Legal Professionals Policy Makers Educators

  18. National Policy Initiatives • Elder Justice Act (www.elderjusticecoalition.org or elderjustice@erols.com) • VAWA Reauthorization

  19. National Center on Elder Abuse • Six organizations funded to create the Center • Web site www.elderabusecenter.org • Telephone number (202) 898-2586: fax (202) 898-2583 • 1201-15th Street, N.W., Suite 350, Washington, D.C. 20005

  20. National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) A Project of the WI Coalition Against Domestic Violence (608) 255-0539 ncall@wcadv.org

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