Criminalising institutional abuse : the issue of elder abuse and neglect in care services or facilities

Elder abuse and neglect is a social issue that violates the human rights, health and well-being of older people in most societies. Providing effective social services for abused persons has been a major concern across countries. While the majority of abusive cases are involved in family relationships, some occur in institutional settings. This paper argues that the distinction between filial abuse and institutional abuse, including client abuse, is necessary to develop appropriate strategies to prevent and tackle different types of elder mistreatment or maltreatment. Effective interventions in elder abuse and neglect in care facilities are particularly important as residents or other clients may be more frail and vulnerable than the general population. As certain abuses and neglect cases are crimes, The problem is that there is a collective effort at community and social levels. Some practical suggestions are provided.