Older Women's Perceptions of Elder Maltreatment and Ethical Dilemmas in Adult Protective Services: A Cross-Cultural,Exploratory Study |
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Authors: | Emily Dakin PhD MSSA Sue Pearlmutter PhD MSW |
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Institution: | 1. School of Social Work , Colorado State University , Fort Collins, Colorado, USA dakin@cahs.colostate.edu;3. School of Social Work , Rhode Island College , Providence, Rhode Island, USA |
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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. |
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Keywords: | elder abuse elder neglect ethical dilemmas elder mistreatment elder maltreatment public perceptions mandatory reporting involuntary protective services criminalization culture socioeconomic status ethnicity |
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