Analysis of the Need for Safe Houses for Victims of Elder Abuse from the Perspective of Police Officers and Social Workers

Teja Primc (), Kaja Prislan Mihelič and Branko Lobnikar
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Teja Primc: Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Kaja Prislan Mihelič: Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Branko Lobnikar: Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-27

Abstract: Elder abuse is an increasingly significant public health and human rights issue in aging and long-lived societies. Despite existing intervention strategies, the lack of emergency housing tailored to older victims of abuse remains a critical gap. This study explores professionals’ perceptions of elder abuse, response measures, and challenges in addressing abuse, with a focus on rural regions. A survey was conducted among 100 first responders—social workers and police officers—who intervene in cases of elder abuse. Results indicate significant differences in perceptions of elder abuse severity, with social workers consistently rating all forms of elder abuse as more severe compared to police officers. Both groups highlighted the necessity of multidisciplinary teams, crisis centers, and safe houses as essential responses but recognized a lack of specialized infrastructure and resources as a significant challenge. Respondents emphasized that victims’ reluctance to report abuse due to family dynamics, shame, and isolation further complicates intervention efforts. Good practices identified interinstitutional collaboration, building victim trust, and proactive interventions. The findings underscore the need for age-appropriate safe spaces, improved professional training, and enhanced community awareness to address elder abuse effectively.

Keywords: abuse of older adults; intervention; multidisciplinary teams; safe house; rural settings; Slovenia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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