Elder Abuse Case Study

Elder Victims. Sexual abuse among elders are under-studied and under-reported because it is the least reported type of elder abuse. These type of abuse are often categorized as mistreatment (i.e., abuse and neglect) cases. Since elder sexual abuse are reliant on self-reporting, thus making it difficult to detect whether a sexual abuse occurred. Physical bruising that may be questioned as originating from sexual abuse may often be recorded as abuse and neglect; unless the individual states that he/she has been sexually assaulted. However, self-reporting of sexual abuse may be difficult for elders who are suffering from mental health illness because it inhibits their cognitive ability to respond appropriately. With that, caregivers and guardians

Since caregivers are often involved in sexual abuse of elders. A few studies was conducted on caregiving and the risk factors associated with perpetrating the abuse. Since it is difficult to detect elder abuse on the elders point of view, it is better to study the perpetrator’s actions and behaviors that may lead to offending. Study showed that by understanding the risk factors associated with caregiving, precautionary measures can be set in place to prevent potential incidence of elder sexual abuse by considering risk factors. For example, caregivers who have a history of alcohol and drug abuse; exhibiting hostile, threatening or aggressive behaviors; isolation and lack of social support; and living constantly with elderly dependent are identified risk factors associated with offending against elders (Kohn and Verbock-Oftedahl, 2011). By identifying such risk factors and keeping a keen observation on the situation, elder sexual abuse can be

Traditionally, when people hear the word victimization. It is understood that it is the person that underwent a scenario of which they were injured, harmed, and killed by an act of crime. However, victimization is not limited to the actual victims. The impact of victimization can extend to family members. For those families who have love ones who are survivors of sexual abuse may experience secondary effects. Caring for a survivors of sexual abuse can be challenging, stressful and emotionally distressing due to the special needs of the individual (i.e., medical treatment, medications, mental health counseling). Since victims of sex assault are susceptible to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health concerns. Family members may experience the effect of PTSD, but is acquired through secondary exposure. This is caused by the constant exposure to the behaviors of the victim, thus involuntarily mimicking the behavior of the survivor. Similar to what the victims is experiencing, family member may find it difficult to trust people, hyper-vigilant, fear, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, family member caring for victimized loved ones my find themselves burdened emotionally, physically, and mentally. With constant exposure to these stressors, the family members themselves may require mental health services to cope with the