Violence

In Our Homes ...Against people in care giving situations

• Introduction       Videos      • Print Information

Introduction

Caregivers of all kinds are in positions of power and responsibility. Abuse at the hands of caregivers is a profound violation of trust.

The abuse of elders, by our own family members (partners, adult children) or others charged with our care (paid or volunteer) happens in every demographic of society. Older adults, and particularly older women, are vulnerable to physical, psychological, emotional and financial abuse and neglect. This may continue because the elderly are embarrassed and afraid to risk rejection by the family or community. We may not have access to assistance due to being fearful, unwilling, or unable to, leave our homes. At the same time, public and official reaction may be mediated by society’s devaluation of elderly people, leading professionals to easily believe the perpetrator’s stories that it is the elderly person who is “difficult,” who has fallen, who is muddled, and that everything is being done for “their own good.”

Caregivers may also abuse people with physical and intellectual disabilities, people with chronic or terminal illness, or those otherwise more in need of assistance, and less able to speak out about mistreatment. When our sight, hearing and/or mobility are compromised, when we have specific needs around food, medication, and personal care, our vulnerability to violence takes on any number of highly specific dimensions. Individuals may be sexually abused or otherwise exploited, neglected or imprisoned. There are also countless ways privacy and dignity can be violated.

top of page

Videos

Talking about abuse and disability
It’s hard to speak up for yourself, especially when your care givers are also your abusers. But keep talking about it, there are people who will listen.

(This video was produced by the World Institute on Disability and STAND! Against Domestic Violence)

top of page

Print Information

FAQ on Caregiver Abuse
If you are being abused by a caregiver you are not alone.

Violence and Disabled Women
from the Independent Living Institute

I Want to Be Free: Older Women's Right to Live Independently with Dignity
An issue paper intended as a tool to raise awareness about the abuse of elder women and, the complexities surrounding the issue.

top of page