abuse in later life: dynamics and barriers bonnie brandl, m.s.w. ncall/wcadv 2004
TRANSCRIPT
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…
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
Relationship Between Elder Abuse and Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
Elder Abuse
Elder Domestic Violence
Elder Domestic Violence
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
Scenarios of Intimate Partner Violence in Later Life DV grown old
New relationship
Late onset
Other Scenarios of Abuse in Later Life Adult children/grandchildren
Other family members
Caregivers
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
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
Abuser Language
Holding Abusers Accountable Some elder abuse is a crime.
Not all social service remedies are effective.
Focus on victim safety and abuser accountability.
Barriers to Living Free from Abuse Abuser Tactics
Internal Messages
Systemic Responses
Barriers Fear
Financial/Housing
Health
Values about family
Barriers Cultural values
Immigration issues
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
Religious/spiritual values
Barriers Rural
Generational
Multidisciplinary Response Justice Social service Victim services/advocacy Aging network Health care Faith-based and others
Coordinated Community Response
ReligiousReligious
LeadersLeadersReligiousReligious
LeadersLeaders
AdvocatesAdvocatesAdvocatesAdvocates PolicePolicePolicePolice
Adult Adult Protective Protective AgenciesAgencies
Adult Adult Protective Protective AgenciesAgencies
Health Health ProfessionalsProfessionals
Health Health ProfessionalsProfessionals
EducatorsEducatorsEducatorsEducators
FriendsFriendsFriendsFriends
Policy Policy MakersMakersPolicy Policy MakersMakers
Judges & Judges &
Legal Legal ProfessionaProfessionalsls
Judges & Judges &
Legal Legal ProfessionaProfessionalsls
National Policy Initiatives Elder Justice Act (
www.elderjusticecoalition.org or [email protected])
VAWA Reauthorization
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
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL)
A Project of the WI Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(608) 255-0539 [email protected]