Sad Senility: Domestic Violence Against the Elderly
Sad Senility: Domestic Violence Against the Elderly

Summary/Abstract: Domestic violence has recently become one of the most frequently discussed topics. Its increasing relevance can be seen on television in social campaigns aimed at sensitizing society to this phenomenon, its manifestations, conditions, and effects. A great deal of social welfare institutions offer support to help victims of violence, and those who are abused are encouraged to take courage and seek professional support. While people of all ages are, unfortunately, exposed to violence, the most common victims of violence are children, women, and the elderly. Elderly abuse is a painful, difficult, and hidden reality wherein a person’s home and family cease to be safe; therefore, this vulnerable population needs support. However, in order to help this population, it is necessary to know about the problem and effective forms of intervention. This article discusses the extent of domestic violence against the elderly, what it looks like, as well as the circumstances of such behavior based on research conducted in social welfare institutions in the Podlasie Province of Poland. The last part of the article presents the elderly’s most common responses to the abuse, which can be useful to all those who find out about violence against seniors and want to help them.

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