Fighting Against Many Walls: The Help-Seeking Experience of Supporters of Older Abuse Victims

Fraga Dominguez, Silvia and Storey, Jennifer E. and Glorney, Emily (2025) Fighting Against Many Walls: The Help-Seeking Experience of Supporters of Older Abuse Victims. Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement. pp. 1-13. ISSN 0714-9808

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Abstract

Background

Elder abuse (EA) often remains hidden, and many victims do not interact with formal systems. Concerned persons (CPs) are family, friends, and neighbours who play an essential role in supporting EA victims.
Objective

The aim of this study was to understand CPs’ role and help-seeking experiences.
Methods

Nineteen self-identified CPs shared their experience of being involved in an EA case via an interview and/or survey, with responses analysed qualitatively.
Findings

CPs were primarily the victims’ female relatives, often related to the perpetrator, and had sought help from a wide range of formal and informal sources, facing many barriers in protecting victims from harm. Challenges commonly related to formal services and EA perpetrators. Through knowing about the abuse and/or seeking help, participants experienced negative impacts, particularly psychological ones.
Discussion

Findings suggest that CPs can play a key role in supporting EA victims but require further support and recognition from services to fulfil this role.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1017/S0714980825000121
Dates:	Date Event 3 March 2025 Accepted 28 March 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	abuse of older people, older adult mistreatment, concerned persons, help-seeking, reporting
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific)
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Psychology
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	01 Apr 2025 13:08
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2025 13:08
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16281

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