Utilization of Formal Support Services for Elder Abuse: Do Informal Supporters Make a Difference?. (21st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burnes, David; Breckman, Risa; Henderson, Charles R; Lachs, Mark S; Pillemer, Karl
• Is Part Of: Gerontologist. Volume 59:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2018-06-21
• Subjects: Mistreatment -- Social network -- Help-seeking; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gny074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-9013

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Few elder abuse (EA) victims ever seek or receive assistance from formal support services designed to mitigate risk and harm of revictimization. This study examined whether the presence of third-party "concerned persons" in victims' personal social networks plays a role in enabling formal support service utilization. Research Design and Methods: A representative population-based survey administered to adults ( n = 800) in New York State identified 83 EA cases from the past year. Penalized likelihood logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between availability of a concerned person and victim formal support services usage. Results: EA victims who had a concerned person in their personal life were significantly more likely to use formal EA support services than victims without a concerned person. EA victims who lived with their perpetrator were significantly less likely to use formal services. Discussion and Implications: Third-party concerned persons represent a critical population to target in efforts designed to promote EA victim help-seeking.