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Elder
abuse is a relatively new field that raises many complex ethical,
legal, and clinical questions. It has challenged our understanding
of such fundamental concepts as personal freedom, the role of
culture in defining family responsibility, and society's obligations
to its members. This section of our website describes some of
these challenging issues and will continue to present new ones
as these emerge.
The
role of culture in elder abuse and neglect. Culture influences
how abuse is manifested, perceived, and responded to. It dictates
victims' willingness to accept help and determines who they will
turn to in times of need. Learn more about the critical role culture
plays.
Mental
capacity, consent, and undue influence. Effectively assessing
and responding to elder abuse frequently requires an understanding
of what vulnerable persons understand, their capacity to exercise
informed consent, and their ability to withstand undue influence.
Learn more about these issues and how they come into play in elder
abuse cases.
The
relationship between elder abuse and substance abuse.
Substance abuse is the most frequently cited risk factor associated
with elder abuse, affecting both victims and perpetrators. Learn
more about the complex relationship between substance abuse and
elder abuse.
Autonomy,
self-determination, and least restrictive alternatives.
Those who work with victims of abuse are committed to preserving
clients' freedom and civil liberties even when doing so may jeopardize
clients health and safety. Learn more about these fundamental
principles.
Restitution.
Requiring perpetrators to compensate victims for their losses
can help victims heal financially and emotionally. It further
holds perpetrators accountable to victims and their communities.
As more cases of financial elder abuse are prosecuted, those who
work with elderly victims need to understand this fundamental
victims' right and challenges to protecting it.
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