Evaluation of elder physical abuse

Abstract

Background

In the society we belong to, elders are the target of abuse which is many times generated by the social cultural tendency which promotes different expressions in terms of age, a tendency which also measures capacity in terms of age.

Objective

To evaluate elder physical abuse – cases reviewed at the Forensic Institute, Tirgu Mures County, Romania.

Methods

An experimental design was used, focusing on elder physical abuse cases involving victims aged 65 or older, who requested a forensic certificate. All cases were reviewed at the Forensic Institute Tg. Mures, Mures County, Romania between 1st of Jan–31st Dec 2014. Variables included: age, gender, environmental origin, physical abuse, sexual abuse, relationship with the perpetrator (relative, known person/neighbor, unknown person, husband/wife), the required number of days of hospitalization, victim previous psychiatric diagnosis, aggressor previous psychiatric diagnosis.

Results

A total of 5252 forensic medical certificates were issued at request by the Forensic Institute of Tg Mures. One hundred and twenty (2.28%) were related to acknowledgement of the aggression of an elderly peIntroductionrson (≥65 years, with an average age of 69.89 years CI: 68.8903–70.8930). The majority of subjects were males (65%), of rural origin (64.17%). The same address as the aggressor's was identified in most of the cases (41.66%). 35.83% were hurt by neighbours/acquaintances, 22.5% were attacked by strangers.

Conclusion

We are aware of that an elder abuse appears to occur most often in domestic home situations, men from rural, more often than women, are involved that victims and may be perpetrated by adult family members, or other persons.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.