All Elder Abuse Perpetrators Are Not Alike: The Heterogeneity of Elder Abuse Perpetrators and Implications for Intervention. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jackson, Shelly L.
• Is Part Of: International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology. Volume 60:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 285
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: elder abuse perpetrators -- abusers -- intervention -- types of abuse -- risk factors; Criminals -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Violent offenders -- Periodicals; Sex offenders -- Periodicals; Criminology -- Periodicals; 364.3
• DOI: 10.1177/0306624X14554063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-624X

Abstract

The tendency to label all elder abuse perpetrators as the "bad guys" has diminished our ability to respond effectively. A review of the literature demonstrates that elder abuse perpetrators are in fact heterogeneous with important differences across types of abuse. A reformulation of perpetrator interventions away from a singular emphasis on prosecution to meaningful alternatives that utilize criminal justice and/or therapeutic approaches tailored to the needs of the case is needed. These interventions must incorporate the needs of both victims and perpetrators, take into consideration the type of abuse involved, acknowledge the variations in perpetrator culpability, and recognize the continuum of complexity among these cases. Without addressing these nuances, intervention and prevention efforts will be futile if not harmful.