Citation

Yan ECW. J. Interpers. Violence 2015; 30(15): 2683-2708.

Affiliation

University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong elsieyan@hku.hk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260514553628

PMID

25331371

Abstract

Elder abuse is a prevalent phenomenon resulting in physical, emotional, and social costs to individuals, families, and society. Timely and effective intervention is crucial because victims are often involved in relationships where re-victimization is common. Most elder abuse victims, however, are reluctant to seek help from outside their families. The aim of the present study is to explore factors associated with help-seeking behaviors among mistreated elders in Hong Kong. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 elder abuse survivors. Although almost all of the participants could provide some examples of elder abuse, most denied that their own experience was abusive. Personal and professional social networks were important determinants of help seeking. Social isolation, cultural barriers, self-blame, and lack of knowledge were major barriers to help seeking.

Language: en