Citation

Dakin E, Pearlmutter S. J. Elder Abuse Negl. 2009; 21(1): 15-57.

Affiliation

College of Applied Human Sciences, School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1586, USA. dakin@cahs.colostate.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08946560802571896

PMID

19197620

Abstract

In this study, older African American, Latina, and Caucasian women from varying socioeconomic backgrounds participated in eight focus groups that examined their perceptions of elder maltreatment and three ethical dilemmas within adult protective service work: mandatory reporting, involuntary protective services, and criminalization of elder maltreatment. Participants espoused a broad and inclusive view of elder maltreatment. In responding to illustrative case scenarios, participants strongly favored protection over freedom by supporting mandatory reporting and involuntary protective services. Criminalization of elder maltreatment also was supported. This article presents results of each scenario and broad themes across the study, with attention paid to areas of consistency and difference across ethnicity and socioeconomic categories.

Language: en