Older women who experience mistreatment:circumstances and outcomes.
Data from Virginia Adult Protective Services (APS) case files of 95 abused women aged 60 years and older were assessed to establish demographic trends; ability to care for self; type, pattern, and place of abuse; information on witnesses and alleged offenders; and case resolution and outcomes. The most common types of mistreatment reported were neglect, exploitation, and physical abuse. The women typically had several functional limitations and were dependent upon their family members for care. Most cases were not prosecuted, and the majority of women remain at risk for further abuse. Implications of these data for future research and practice are discussed.
Roberto
Karen A
KA
Center for Gerontology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0426, USA. kroberto@vt.edu
Teaster
Pamela B
PB
Duke
Joy O
JO
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012947:Social Work; D014768:Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology