Minnesota Network on Abuse in Later Life

       

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Why Does Abuse in Later Life Occur?

Abusers of all ages believe that they are entitled to use any method necessary to get what they want and to dominate or punish their victims. They use a pattern of coercive tactics to gain and maintain power and control in relationships.

Caregiver stress, the popular notion that abuse in later life is primarily caused by stressed caregivers who abuse frail dependent elderly, is NOT supported by the research. (Phillips 2000, Reis 1998)

In addition, the theory of caregiver stress absolves the abusive party of responsibility for their behavior and suggests that if the victim was not dependent there would be no stress and therefore no abuse. Also, a belief in caregiver stress may prevent more helpful interventions from taking place and put the victim in greater danger.

What is abuse?

Abuse is defined as a physical maltreatment, an unjust or wrongful practice, or insulting or coarse language (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th Ed.), 2000).

The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study estimates that over 85% of the reported cases of abuse of older persons were perpetrated by a spouse, partner, other family member or trusted loved one. (National Elder Abuse Incidence Study, 1989)

Forms of Abuse:

• Physical Abuse
• Psychological or Emotional Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Sexual Assault
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Homicide
• Financial Exploitation

(National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2002)

What is Later Life?

Abuse occurs to persons of all ages. The Minnesota Network on Abuse in Later Life has defined later life as people age 50 and older.

In Minnesota for the years 1998 through 2002, more than 20% of femicide victims were over age 50.
(Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women Femicide Reports)

Forms of abuse in Later Life

Domestic and Sexual Violence: is an intentional, systematic pattern of psychological, physical, economic and sexual behaviors used by one person in an intimate or family relationship to control another. In older adults the abuse may have occurred many years ago with the psychological burden continuing, may have occurred throughout the entire relationship or may be of recent origin.

In Minnesota, the estimate is that only 1 of 24 incidents of abuse in later life is reported. (Estimate based on information from Senior Service Providers)

Elder Abuse: is the abuse of an older adult regardless of who the abuser is.

Vulnerable Adult Maltreatment: is abuse of an adult classified as vulnerable by Minnesota State Statute and investigated by the county adult protective services system. A persons may be competent, but still be considered a vulnerable adult. There are two classifications of vulnerable adults:

Categorical Vulnerable Adult: lives in an institution (nursing home, etc.) or receives home medical services.

Functional Vulnerable Adult: cannot provide for basic needs, cannot protect oneself from harm, or is a person with a disability.