Gewalt gegen alte menschen in pflegesituationen. Phänomenologie, epidemiologie und präventionsstrategien

With the increasing public awareness of intimate partner violence (domestic violence), violence against the elderly is also a focal point, especially in connection with those in need of care. International studies described rates of violence against older persons (aged 60 years and more) of up to 18% and verbal aggression is most frequently quoted. However, the variations of violence extend from verbal to direct physical violence, from financial exploitation to social constriction and paternalism. The special problem of violence against older persons in need of care and support depends on a number of different aspects: on the one hand recognizing that violence has occurred could be difficult because of illness and associated feasible symptoms. On the other hand, the person in care could have a reduced ability to communicate due to illness or dependence. Illuminative information about violence against older people in care offered to the public as well as to the medical and care-providing professions is important. Besides a description of the phenomenon with numbers and facts, the diverse aspects of prevention should be kept in mind.