Question

Is there evidence suggesting that we have more knowledge about child abuse than elder abuse and what are the possible consequences for practitioners if we devote more resources to child abuse than elder abuse?

Answer 1

There are many evidences that have been documented which suggest that we have more knowledge about child abuse than elder abuse. This is time and again reminded by many authors and reports. For example:

• In the book “The Clinical and Medical Forensics of Elder Abuse and Neglect” by Dyer CB, et al. clearly stated that “The medical forensic aspects of elder abuse and neglect are largely unexplored and undocumented.” on the basis of findings of Elder Justice Roundtable Report.

• An article by American society on Aging titled “An Update on the Nature and Scope of Elder Abuse” details out the work of Dr. Rosalie S. Wolf in this field. The article mentions “In 2000, Wolf lamented the scarcity of research describing the effects of elder abuse, excusing this deficit because of the difficulties and costs associated with such studies.”

The possible consequences for practitioners if we devote more resources to child abuse than elder abuse can be disastrous as the serious problem of elder abuse will get a backseat. As more of the population is getting old and demography is changing, it is becoming increasingly important to invest in holistic studies on elder abuse.

If not given appropriate importance to this issue, then policy making will be affected and will remain devoid of preventive strategies that could be taken to safeguard elderly population prone to abuse. This will not only endanger the lives of old people and women, but will also destabilize the peace equilibrium maintained in the society.