abuse in later life: dynamics and barriers bonnie brandl, m.s.w. ncall/wcadv 2004

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 elderjustice@erols.com)

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 ncall@wcadv.org