Elderly Victimization Rates
Violence is one of the extreme forms of harming the population, which can have serious consequences. This problem is particularly alarming when it concerns the elderly population. At the same time, elderly victimization rates are lower than those for other age groups.
This statistic is not surprising to me since it is necessary to consider several factors that affect it. Hence, one of them is that older people represent a smaller population group. Research stated that “according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 56 million adults ages 65 and older live in the United States, accounting for about 16.9% of the nation’s population” (Population 65+, 2022, para. 1).
Another aspect is that older adults may be the least desirable victims due to factors such as financial conditions (Morgan & Mason, 2014). However, it is worth noting that many older adults, unlike other age groups, are more vulnerable victims. This is due to personal characteristics, such as trustworthiness and ease of persuasion, which abusers often use.
Special Considerations for Elderly Victims
When there is a case of violence against older people, it is necessary to examine several special considerations that must be made by those working with these victims. First, it is vital to identify what kind of violence a person was exposed to since such forms as physical and sexual violence can leave a deep imprint on both the physical and psychological state. It is essential to identify the signs indicating this kind of harmful misconduct.
Older people are exposed to financial deception, which implies rubbing off on their confidence to get the most significant benefit. However, this is a more harmless form of violence, where the most serious manifestation is robbery, during which people not only lose money but can also get serious physical injuries. People can face “financial neglect which occurs when an older adult’s financial responsibilities such as paying rent or mortgage, medical expenses or insurance, utility bills, or property taxes, are ignored” (Elder abuse, n.d., para. 15). There are many different strategies and programs that are designed considering personal and age characteristics that specialists should study to help elderly victims.
Unique Characteristics and Consequences of Elderly Victimization
Unique characteristics characterize the abuse and victimization of older people. Henceforth, in addition to sexual and physical violence, this form of victimization manifests itself in such actions as neglect, confinement, willful deprivation, and emotional abuse (Get the Facts on Elder Abuse, 2022). The main difference is that it often remains unspoken due to the reluctance of older people to experience additional stress. Moreover, deception, confinement, and willful deprivation are more common than other forms.
Equitable or Differentiated Treatment for Elderly Victims
At the same time, elderly victims should not be treated differently from other crime victims. This is because they also experience solid emotional shocks, which can cause such disorders as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Responding to Abuse by Family or Caregivers
Critical cases requiring special attention are those in which family members or caregivers harm elderly victims. Therefore, social service workers and law enforcement should develop unique approaches to limit this problem. The latter’s involvement is because law enforcement is the first to arrive at the crime scene and communicate with victims (Woods, 2015). Social workers are the next group that works with victims in cooperation with other facilities.
References
Elder abuse. (n.d.). National institute on aging. Web.
Get the facts on elder abuse. (2022). National council on aging. Web.
Morgan, R. E., & Mason, B. J. (2014). Crimes against the elderly, 2003-2013. US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Population ages 65+. (2022). America’s health ratings. Web.
Woods, T. I. (2015). First response to victims of crime: A guidebook for law enforcement officers. Scholar’s Choice.