The Abuse of Older Men: Implications for Social Work

Abstract

The abuse of older men is a rather invisible social problem that requires attention in social work education, research, and practice. Although all older men are potential victims of abuse, there are certain groups that are especially vulnerable. Based on a growing body of professional literature on the challenges of working with and for men in general, and older men in particular, it can be concluded that social work efforts are necessary to draw public attention to the problem of abused older men, to inculcate social work education with necessary material, and to ensure that social work practitioners are aware, motivated, and trained to provide effective work with abused older men (as well as those who would abuse them). It is believed that professional concern for and attention to abused older men should be no more, but certainly no less, than that given to older abused women.

Abstract

Keywords:

• Aged
• Domestic Violence
• Men's Issues
• Elder Abuse
• Older Men
• Invisible Problem