Why Abuse Goes Unreported
Elder abuse is a hidden, tragic secret for many, because older people who are victims of abuse are often reluctant to speak out.
Revealing Abuse
The fear of repercussions may feel more oppressive than the actual abuse they are subjected to. Shame or guilt may stop them from revealing their abuser, who might be someone they love, while sometimes the victim simply does not have the capacity to report it.
Whether a victim is unable or unwilling to report it, some of the barriers to revealing elder abuse include:
Fear
- Of being punished for reporting;
- of institutionalization;
- of rejection or abandonment by other family members;
- of losing their caregiver;
- of losing access to family members, including grandchildren; and
- fear that the disclosure will reflect poorly upon their family
Love for the Abuser
In many cases, the victim cares deeply for his/her abuser, leading to conflicting feelings about revealing the abuse. They are then reluctant to see the abuser criticized or to face consequences for the abusive behaviour.
Lack of Understanding or Impairment
A victim may be unable to report the abuse because of cognitive impairment or other disabilities. A mental impairment or inappropriate medication may also keep a victim from revealing the abuse.
Shame and/or Guilt
Victims of elder abuse often blame themselves for the violence and neglect they are subjected to. They are often reluctant to report the abuse because they are ashamed of what the family member did to them, or embarrassed that they placed their trust in that person. The senior may also believe that it was something they did that brought on the abuse.
Unaware of Resource Options
Victims are often unaware of the community supports and services available to assist them.
Acceptance of Abuse or Neglect as Normal
If abuse has been a prevalent or typical pattern of behaviour in a family, both the abusers and the victims may accept it as “normal” behaviour. For many victims suffering at the hands of an abuser, violence and neglect are simply a way of life. Additionally, as violence is an accepted form of expressing rage in our society, the abuse may be dismissed and go unreported by others.
Source: Edmonton Elder Abuse Intervention Team Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults – Resource and Training Kit for Service Providers, Health Canada 1994
